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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The constant sex, violence, and manipulations prove that the people of Bellona have _______.

2. Why is June looking for her brother Edward at the scorpions nest?

3. Who does she teach at the school?

4. How does Kidd feel about Lanya's refusal?

5. Why are people asking questions about Kidd?

Short Essay Questions

1. When were most of Kidd's poems written?

2. Why does Kamp feel like it's finally time to leave Bellona?

3. Why does Kidd begin to doubt his own writing?

4. Is Kidd jealous of Denny's time with Lanya?

5. What does everyone's willingness to participate in group sexual acts say about the people in Bellona?

6. Why is Edward probably frightened to leave Bellona?

7. As Chapter 5 opens, what is Kidd wondering?

8. As the book is drawing to a close, what does Kidd have trouble understanding?

9. What is true about the scorpions and other people in Bellona who do nothing with their time?

10. Why does June try to go to her brother for help?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As a science fiction writer, symbolism is extremely important to Delany.

What does the supernova symbolize?

Analyze the symbol and discuss its role in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Compare Kidd to Denny. How are these two characters alike and different?

Why would Lanya possibly choose Denny over Kidd?

Does it have something to do with Kidd only seeing Lanya as an object or piece of property?

Essay Topic 3

Delany's Dhalgren is thought to be one of the best Science Fiction books of the 1970s and 1980s. Consider what thematic elements classify this book as Science Fiction.

1. How does this book differ from others in the Science Fiction genre?

2. What classifies a book as Science Fiction? How does this book seem to fall short of some of these criteria?

(see the answer keys)

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