A Wizard of Earthsea

Multiple Choice

1. C (Chapter 1)

2. B (Chapter 1)

3. D (Various chapters)

4. A (Chapter 2)

5. C (Chapter 2)

6. A (Chapter 3)

7. C (Chapter 3)

8. A (Various chapters)

9. B (Various chapters)

10. B (various chapters)

11. A (Chapter 7)

12. C (Various chapters)

13. B (Chapter 9)

14. A (Chapter 9)

15. D (Chapter 10)

Long Answer

1. Through the various side characters and Ged’s own struggles, Le Guin explores the differences between those with power and those who are truly powerful. Those who are truly powerful have the wisdom to limit their use of power and use it only when necessary. The reason those individuals are more powerful is because, in addition to using magic, they have mastery over themselves and thus cannot be swayed by desires and temptations. Though Ogion has great power, he only uses it when necessary, such as when he saves the island from an earthquake. By contrast, though Serret is clever and well-versed in magic, she becomes enslaved by the Terrenon and, as a result, is unable to exercise agency. Ged’s defeat of the shadow symbolizes his mastery of himself and his true realization of power, moving him from a boy with power to a wizard who is powerful. (Various chapters) 

2. Because the nature of Ged’s quest and his ultimate defeat of the shadow monster are symbolic of the internal mastery of the self, Le Guin subverts the notion that heroes act outwardly on behalf of others. Though Ged’s journey takes place on a quest around the archipelago and beyond, the real foe is not the shadow but what it represents: Ged’s distorted desires and pride, which follow him wherever he goes and sway his actions. Because this is the monster he defeats, Le Guin implies that a true hero is one who has mastered the self and who can only be swayed to act by their own power and judgment. To be heroic is to have the strength of will to act in accordance with one’s convictions and responsibilities and to know when to limit oneself. (Various chapters)