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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does OOB not go to Sjandra Kei?

2. Who must do the talking at Saint Rihndell's Repair Harbor?

3. What does Scrupilo warn Woodcarver about Steel?

4. Who are out for revenge?

5. How many children are revived?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often titles reveal much about one or more aspects of a novel. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think is the purpose of a title? How closely related to a major theme(s) of a book do you think a title should be? Or should it be?

2. How is the phrase "A Fire upon the Deep" relevant to the action of the novel? What sort of emotional and psychological response does the title evoke? Why do you think Vinge chose this title? If you were perusing the library for a book to read and saw this title, would it pique your interest? Why or why not. Does it seem to be the best title for the book?

3. If you were the writer of A Fire upon the Deep and your editor says the title must be changed, what would you choose? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Scriber describes the Olnsdot's cargo ship as a "flying house." Humans tend to learn about or relate to new things through an association with something they already know. Discuss the following:

1. Describe and analyze some of the descriptions the pack gives the new things and people, Jefri and Johanna, and show how their descriptions are related to what they already know.

2. While reading A Fire under the Deep, it is likely that you also relate new concepts and objects to what is already familiar to you. Choose 5 new objects or concepts and write about how they are similar to something already in your experience. Does this help or hinder your understanding of the new concept or object?

3. What do you think might be the pitfalls of relating new experiences in terms of previous experiences?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast Johanna Olnsdot to her brother, Jefri. How are they alike? How are they different? Do you think their differences are mainly due to their age differences? Compare how each initially react to the sentient beings of the planet where they land.

2. Compare/contrast Queen Woodcarver to Lord Steel. How are they alike? How are they different? How do their "world views" differ? Who is the better leader/ruler? Under which one would you rather live?

3. Compare/contrast Ravna to Pham. How are they alike? How are they different? Who is more likeable? Approachable? Compassionate? Intellectual?

4. Compare/contrast Greenstalk to Blueshell. How are they alike? How are they different? Are they more alike than they are different? Why or why not? Are either or both trustworthy? Are they likeable? How do they differ from other sentient beings introduced in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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