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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. How does this chapter begin?

2. Who never shows up at the party?

3. Who finds Kidd wandering and invites him to stay at his house?

4. Does anyone do anything about the vandalism?

5. At the end of Chapter V, what does the reader continue to wonder?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is important in the scorpions dialogue?

3. Suddenly, what does Kidd have trouble remembering?

4. Although Kidd and Lanya seem to have known each other for a while, what side of her did he never see ?

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

6. What does Madame Brown think will help Kidd with his memory and psychological problems?

7. What problem doesn't affect Calkins' house and why is this strange?

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

9. Why is it strange that Calkins does not come to the party?

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

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

Two person relationships are a societal standard in Western civilization. Does that make them right?

How does the inability to create stable relationships in Bellona signify deep problems within the society? Do you agree with this assertion?

Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Although Kidd seems to be fearless of people in Bellona, he fears himself and his mind.

1. Describe and discuss why this fear could be more damaging than a fear of physical danger.

2. Why does Kidd break down towards the end of the book? Is it because of the fear he has felt concerning his mind and himself.

(see the answer keys)

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