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Copyright 2001
Created by Brian Thornton
 |
Capo Creations, Box 1411, Haileybury, Ontario, CANADA.
POJ 1KO
Phone: 705 672-5737
Not to be used or copied in any manner without specific
written consent of the publisher
All Rights
Reserved |
 |
Lloyd
Alexander
Answer all questions in sentence form.
Author's Note
How is the Land of Prydain similar to our "real" world?
What country or region acted as inspiration for Lloyd Alexander's imaginary
tales?
Chapter One--The Council at Caer Dallben
Describe the setting in the opening of the first chapter.
Who is Taran?
Describe the arrival of Prince Ellidyr.
What good news does Gurgi announce to Taran?
Why is Taran surprised to hear a council meeting is to be held at Caer
Dallben?
Why did King Morgant of Madoc bow only to Gwydain?
Who are the Cauldron-Born?
What did Gwydion tell the other council members he hoped to accomplish?
Vocabulary: enchanter, stern, impudence,
roan, steed, mare, insolence, scullery, drubbing, submitted, raiment, summoned,
foretold, scowl, bard, realm, cantered, tome, attired, comrade, wisp,
mute, implacable, loathsome, idle, cauldron, allegiance, clout
Enrichment: Research the author, Lloyd
Alexander, to see what other books he has written. Make a short
presentation to your classmates.
Design a title page or bookmark for your student study guide.
Chapter Two--The Naming of the Tasks
How did Smoit respond to Gwydion's request for support from the other
members of council?
Describe Fflewddur's offer to help Gwydion.
Provide a brief description of Dark Gate.
Why did Doli feel irritable?
What task is assigned to Smoit?
How does Prince Ellidyr react to his proposed role in the scheme of things?
How does Dallben respond when Taran asks about the powers of his newly
received sword?
Why does Taran ask Eilonwy to strap on his sword?
Vocabulary: bondage, valiant,
parchment, discoursing, crags, portal, curse, bolts, breach, awry,
scoffed, meditate, rummaged, gird
Enrichment: Eilonwy appears anxious to join
the warriors as they head for Dark Gate. Compare Eilonwy to a modern
day woman. Is she ahead of her time? Are women today
allowed to be in combat? Can women be fighter
pilots? Interview military recruiters at a local recruiting centre to
see what role women can expect to play in the armed forces.
It is often said that truth is the first casualty of war. Can you
think of reasons why this might be true? Discuss in small groups and
report back to a group leader. Make a report to the rest of the
class.
Chapter Three-- Adaon
According to Adaon, what difficult burden must Ellidyr carry?
Explain Adaon's assertion, "There is greater honor in a field well plowed
than in a field steeped in blood."
Who is Arianllyn?
How is the song Adaon plays on the harp, reminiscent of his own character?
How does Gwydion respond to Morgant's suggestion that they take the
cauldron north to his realm?
Explain why Adaon cautions Taran that he should not wish too hard to ride
into battle with Morgant.
Vocabulary: stallion, spiteful, burden,
retorted, gait, sullenly, rigors, forge, lore, amiss, betrothed, domains, aloof,
slumber, withered, flanks, clamor, baleful, mortal, rove, dwindles,
sheath, conical, stouthearted, mettle, desolate, whicker, grove
Enrichment: At the beginning of this chapter, Lloyd
Alexander uses the simile, "as miserable as a wet owl". Explain why
the author uses the simile, " . . .as miserable as a wet owl". Why
might Lloyd Alexander use similes rather than simply saying "Gurgi was
miserable". Make up a few of your own similes to describe someone who
is miserable. Share them with your classmates.
Chapter Four-- In the Shadow of Dark Gate
What was the rustling noise Taran heard emanating from the shrub?
Describe the bauble.
Why were Eilonwy and Gurgi unable to return to Caer Dallben?
What news do Fflewddur and Doli deliver to Adaon?
Explain why no one other than Ellidyr could ride on Islimach.
Vocabulary: poised, scuttled, disheveled,
reproof, bedraggled, provisions, smite, quiver, oafs, foal
Enrichment: Pretend you are Taran and keep a journal of your adventure making daily entries. You may wish to illustrate your journal. Don't just make it a list of events. Make sure to include your emotions, inner struggles, feelings for your companions, and anything else you feel would be an essential part of a journal.
Chapter Five-- The Huntsmen of Annuvin
Describe the appearance of the Huntsmen.
Who saved Taran from an almost certain death?
What cautionary word of advice did Taran offer to Eilonwy as she fitted an
arrow to her bow?
What comment does Eilonwy make that demonstrates her practical nature?
Why did Doli straighten suddenly in his saddle?
What did Taran think when he observed Doli shouting into a hollow oak
tree?
What sound did Eilonwy hear emanating from the tree?
Vocabulary: din, unravel, dread,
glinted, plight, tawny, scorn, fray, scythe, churning, arc, gait,
firs, alders, sparse, shun, contempt, elated, mired, fatigue, incomprehensible
Enrichment: Have you ever helped someone you didn't like? Explain. Would you do it again? Why?
Chapter Six-- Gwystyl
What does Doli discover along the embankment?
How does Gwystyl react when he sees the others accompanying Doli?
Describe the interior of the way post.
How does Ellidyr react to Adaon's efforts to heal him?
Describe Gwystyl's response when Taran informs him that someone has stolen
the cauldron.
Vocabulary: muffled,
beckoned, haunches, hoarse, melancholy, woeful, kindred, barrier,
crevices, alcove, lichens, rivulets, loam, hearth, pallet, crude, fledgling,
unperturbed, tremulously, brusquely, dismal, bleak, predicament, schemes, envy
Enrichment: Write a newspaper article describing the progress made to date by the companions.
Chapter Seven-- Kaw
Describe the powers of the powder that Gwystyl offers to the travellers?
To the surprise of the adventurers, who reveals the location of the cauldron?
Why does Fflewddur's harp string snap abruptly when he is describing his journey near the Marshes of Morva?
What dilemma do the adventurers face once Fflewddur reveals the location of the cauldron?
Explain how Ellidyr influences Taran to proceed immediately to the cauldron.
How does Adaon react when Taran seeks his advice?
How do the others respond to Taran's decision?
Vocabulary: clot, severely, skulking, hoodwink, frantically, meddle, undaunted, fens, yearned, goaded, taunt, flushed, distress, sorrow, jubilant, moldering, untethered, bridle
Enrichment: Plan an imaginary interview with the author or one of the characters in the story. Prepare a least of at least fifteen questions you might want to ask them.
Chapter Eight-- A Stone in the Shoe
Describe what happened when Fflewddur offered to lead the way to the marsh, claiming he had never been lost and could find the marsh with his eyes shut.
Whose advice does Taran seek when he develops second thoughts about travelling to the Marshes of Morva?
Why is Taran reassured by Adaon's dream?
What happened to Islimach?
How does Ellidyr react to Taran's kind deed?
Explain what Taran means when he tells Ellidyr that the young prince has a stone in his shoe.
According to Adaon, what causes Ellidyr's foul temper?
What does Adaon intend to bequeath to Taran should he meet with an untimely death?
What do the travellers discover when they wake up in the morning?
Describe what happens to Adaon in the battle with the Huntsmen.
Vocabulary: conceal, halt, fathom, stark, sallow, foreleg, mare, abide, deftly, livid, surge, wallet, nag, commend, spurs, tranquil, clasp, ambition, cradled, shrill, engage, skittering, thicket, assailants, shaft, anguish
Enrichment: Examine the statement, "Old men start wars, young men fight them." Is the statement true or false? Give some examples to substantiate your opinion. Discuss with your classmates.
Chapter Nine-- The Brooch
Why was Taran alarmed when Adaon revealed that he was comfortable enough and that it was as warm as spring despite the cold winter weather?
As Adaon is dying, what does he insist that Taran accept from him?
Who does Taran notice sitting on a rock in the middle of a stream?
What happened to Doli?
Explain what Taran means when he tells Eilonwy that Adaon's gift was a precious one.
Vocabulary: frenzy, mane, glade, gestured, brow, litter, anxiety, steep, abated, turf, plaintively, boulders, gallant, thrice, dismay, mournful, turbulent, tousled, oppressed, vague, hoard, mingled, haggard, veer
Enrichment: Does our society place much importance on wisdom? Defend your position. Explain the difference between wisdom and knowledge? To where or whom would you go if you were in need of wisdom? Explain why.
The time period in which we live is often referred to as the information age. What is the difference, if any, between information and wisdom? Can a manufactured object such as a computer possess wisdom? Why or why not? Does an animal such as a dog or horse have wisdom? If yes, provide examples.
Chapter Ten-- The Marshes of Morva
What makes Taran think they are close to the Marshes of Morva?
What do the three lines on the clasp signify?
Describe how the clasp saves the lives of the travellers.
Why is Taran disturbed by his dream of Ellidyr?
How does Taran escape the "wolves"?
Why does Taran suddenly rein in his stallion?
What does the "cheerful" voice ask the travellers?
Vocabulary: ravine, twinge, briny, pelting, drenched, perplexed, bardic, inscription, gougings, gorge, moors, grueling, serpent, reeking, furze, hillock, foundered, stirrups, brackish, submerged, demolished, loom, crockery
Enrichment: Pretend that you are Taran and write a confidential letter to Gwydion that he is to open and read only in the advent of your death.
Chapter Eleven-- The Cottage
What happens to Taran's sword?
Describe the character that almost caused Eilonwy to scream?
What explanation does the little woman give to Taran for wanting to turn them all into toads?
Why does Taran gasp when he hears the names of two stout women approaching from around the side of the hill?
Explain why Taran was confused as he tried to follow the conversation of the enchantresses.
According to Orddu why would the travellers be better off as toads?
How did Orddu respond when Taran identified himself as Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper of Caer Dallben?
Vocabulary: ungirt, enchantress, indulgent, cajoling, fangs, revulsion, stout, tread, goslings, romps, vex, nudge
Enrichment: Pretend you are a travel agent. Plan an imaginary trip to Prydain. What do you think some of the selling points of your trip would be? How might you promote the trip? Create an radio or television advertisement promoting the dream vacation.
Chapter Twelve-- Little Dallben
How did Orgoch clear the crockery off the table?
What is unusual about the fabric that Eilonwy attempts to examine on the loom?
Why does Taran look at Eilonwy questioningly when the food arrives at the table?
What book does Orddu mention?
According to Fflewddur, how old is Dallben?
How did the enchantresses come to know Dallben?
Describe the distressing accident that occurred while Dallben was stirring the kettle.
Who now has Arawn's cauldron or the Black Cochran as it is sometimes called?
What final instructions does Orddu give to Taran and the other travellers?
Vocabulary: bustling, rickety, fabric, forebodings, eluded, sorceress, leer, nuisance, brew, potion, recipe, bilious, tolerantly, destiny
Enrichment: Little Dallben was found in the marsh in a wicket basket. Is this story of the wicket basket reminiscent of any biblical story?
Chapter Thirteen-- The Plan
How does Taran respond when Fflewddur suggests the adventurers hurry home to inform Gwydion and Dallben so they can deal with the matter?
How does Taran plan to obtain the cauldron?
Why are the others anxious to have Taran go to sleep?
Explain the dark brown flecks and stains on the lips and curve of the cauldron's belly.
Why are Taran's suspicions aroused shortly after the cauldron is located?
What amazes Taran when he peers into the cottage later that evening?
Describe what happens when the companions attempt to move the cauldron?
Vocabulary: indignantly, fervently, distrust, wretched, dilapidated, tottered, chinks, scurried, boring, dubiously, slunk, tormented, brute, restrain, stifle, coil, stealthily, rousing, carding, bogs, disguise, hags, spurt, wrenched
Enrichment: Pretend you are one of the characters from the book. Answer questions from your classmates about the role you play in Alexander's novel.
Chapter Fourteen-- The Price
Explain why you agree or disagree with Orddu's comment that the three enchantresses were neither good nor evil?
What happens when the sun's early morning rays fall on the cauldron?
What offer do the enchantresses make to the companions concerning the cauldron?
List the items offered in trade by the companions.
Why does Gurgi intervene with his own offer of trade when Taran begins to mention Adaon's brooch?
Vocabulary: crones, sputtering, clucked, croaking, glared, defiantly, liable, fate, pullets, oblige, brandishing, wistfully
Enrichment: There are many "quest" stories in literature. The quest genre includes stories such Jason and the quest for the golden fleece or King Arthur's knights and the quest of the holy grail. With a small group decide what a quest entails and attempt to come to consensus on a working definition of it.
Chapter Fifteen-- The Black Crochan
Why would it be useless for someone to attempt to steal the brooch from Taran?
Why does Taran thank his friends after the deal is struck?
What was the only way to dispose of the cauldron?
Predict who you think will sacrifice their life to destroy the cauldron and explain why you think this person will be the one to willingly crawl into the evil kettle.
How does Eilonwy console Taran about his decision to part with the brooch?
How do we know that Taran is deeply affected by trading the brooch for the cauldron?
Vocabulary: strode, clarity, mock, clenched, sledges, rebounded, doom dispose, impenetrable, cumbersome, lugging, invigorating, heed, trudged, heath, shrouded, revived, consolation, despair
Enrichment: It has been said that just because someone is willing to die for a cause doesn't mean that cause is just or right. Discuss with a small group of your classmates. Try to incorporate contemporary situations when possible into your discussion.Have your even been convinced that something you were doing was absolutely justified and then changed your mind later? Is there any cause that you would be willing to sacrifice your life for today?
Fflewddur composes heroic chants or songs of victory. Compose a short poem or song based on one of the story's characters. Present it to your classmates. You may wish to use musical accompaniment from a guitar, piano or other musical instrument including a harp or recorded music from a harp.
Chapter Sixteen-- The River
How did they transport the Crochan?
Why does Taran opt to take the longer route home through the Forest of Idris?
What do they construct in the Forest of Idris to transport the cauldron?
What causes Taran to nearly sink to the ground with despair?
What most concerned Fflewddur as Taran tended to the bard's injuries?
How does the author create suspense at the end of the chapter?
Vocabulary: blunted, grimace, falters, lathered, moilings, toilings, shreds, dense, comb, leering, ruefully, warren, menacing, sedge, swaying, warily, lurched, slit, gash, lament, bind, immense, splint, vile, winced, dolefully, eddied, defiance, staggered, glowering
Enrichment: Working in small groups, devise a better way of transporting the cauldron through the forest. Draw a diagram to illustrate your method or construct a simple model. At the end of the session discuss which way would be the best.
Chapter Seventeen-- The Choice
How does Taran respond when Ellidyr calls the companions a "brave company of scarecrows" and then mentions that the dreamer is missing?
Where does Ellidyr say he is going?
Describe what happens when Ellidyr accuses the others of failing in their quest to obtain the cauldron.
Why does Ellidyr fly into a rage?
Describe the sudden appearance of the gwythaints.
What conditions does Ellidyr insist the companions agree to if he is to help move the Crochan?
Explain what Ellidyr meant when he told Taran that the price must be utter silence.
Vocabulary: glittered, taut, squatted, traitor, shudder, assure, wrathfully, haughty, stranded, strut, churl, oath, weary, slighted, reproach, tarry, solemnly, exultant
Enrichment: Pretend that a publisher wishes to promote this book. Design and illustrate a poster that you feel will arouse an interest in the story. Display it in your classroom or school library.
Give a book talk to your classmates or another group of students in the school explaining why they should read this book.
Explain the difference between a protagonist and an antagonist. Which characters in this book would you classify as protagonist? Justify you opinion. Which characters are antagonists? Explain.
Chapter Eighteen-- The Loss
Why did the companions build a fire despite the fact it might draw unwanted attention to their location and the subsequent threat of Arawn's warriors?
Describe what happened immediately after Taran fell into the river?
What does Taran mean when he tells Eilonwy that he will seek honor where he knows it will be found?
What news does King Morgant bring from the House of Madoc?
What insight does Morgant allow us into Gwystyl's character?
What sight greets the companions inside one of Morgant's pavilions?
What order does Morgant give to his armed guards?
Vocabulary: propped, wry, clumsy, prowess, quest, forfeited, begrudge, stragglers, crest, nocked, flickered, shrewdest, pavilions, conduct
Enrichment: What types of traits in people do you respect the most? If you wanted others to respect you, what are some of the things you must do?
One of the most famous quotations about power came from Lord Acton, a British historian, who is best remembered for his statement, "Power tends to corrupt; and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Discuss this statement with your teacher and then in small groups explain how it might apply to some or all of the characters in the novel including King Morgant.
Discuss what you might do if you had unlimited power. Who has the most power in the classroom, school, community, country, and world? How did they achieve this power? Discuss some of the traits of powerful people. Are the most powerful people in the world men or women? Explain your answer.
Chapter Nineteen-- The War Lord
Why is Taran in a state of disbelief?
Explain why Morgant is not fearful of Gwydion.
What judgement does Morgant make about Arawn?
Describe the offer Morgant makes to Taran.
How does King Morgant respond when Taran demands that he be thrown into the cauldron?
What threat does Morgant make to Taran?
What did the Prince of Pen-Llarcau intend to do with the cauldron?
Vocabulary: captors, trussed, treachery, cunning, rival, surpass, chafed, avid, liege, vent, tempered, devour, shabby, fitful, harsh
Enrichment: Foreshadowing is a literary technique that alludes to the fact that something is going to happen later in the story. Do Morgant's comments to Taran suggest to the reader things that we might expect to occur later in the story.
Morgant made an incredible offer to Taran but the offer was refused. Has someone ever attempted to entice you to do something you felt was wrong? Were they successful? Have you ever betrayed a friend in order to get something you wanted? What would someone have to offer you to make you do something that you felt was wrong or unjust?
Chapter Twenty-- The Final Price
Who freed the companions from their bindings?
Why did he hesitate to untie Ellidyr?
How did Ellidyr redeem himself in the eyes of the companions?
Describe Islimach's bizarre behaviour.
Who paid the final price?
How does Gwydion defend his intent to honor Morgant?
How does Gwydion reassure Taran about the world of men?
Vocabulary: chatter, exertions, wrest, grappling, writhed, arrogance, plummeted, prevailed, barrow, parched, wan, shards, brink, morose, treachery, companions
Enrichment: A barrow is a mound of raised earth or stones over an ancient grave. Does our contemporary society "raise barrows" to our warriors who sacrifice their lives for others? Discuss with your classmates giving examples.
Gwydion reminds Taran that good and evil are closely interwoven. What did he mean by this statement. Do you agree or disagree? Explain. Can you think of someone that you believe could never possibly do anything evil?
Write an additional chapter for the Black Cauldron.
Brainstorm with some of your classmates and write a different ending to the story.
Copyright 2001
Created by: Brian Thornton, Capo Creations, Box 1411,
Haileybury, Ontario, CANADA POJ 1KO
Not to be used or copied in any manner without specific written consent of
the publisher All Rights Reserved
