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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. Who does not recognize Dunworthy?

2. What does Kivrin endure in order to have a cover story?

3. What is Dunworthy entering at the opening of the novel?

4. What language has Kivrin studied?

5. What do those who are caring for Kivrin think that her illness is related to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where and how is Kivrin when she wakes?

2. With whom does Kivrin speak and what is he doing?

3. Describe James Dunworthy.

4. Why does Badri come to find Dunworthy and where does Badri and Dunworthy go?

5. What is the policy about sending historians to the medieval period and how is the department getting around the policy?

6. What is Kivrin trying to do in chapter 6 but having a hard time with?

7. What does Kivrin see when she wakes up and what does she think about it?

8. Why is Dunworthy out trying to find an open store?

9. Where do Dunworthy and Mary go and what are they waiting for?

10. What does Badri keep saying and where does Dunworthy take him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kivrin learns that the twelve year old Rosmund has been betrothed to an older man, Sir Bloet and is soon to marry. Discuss the following:

1. What are Kivrin's reactions to the news about Rosemund's upcoming marriage? Are her reactions typical for the time in which she is visiting? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think Rosemund accepts the idea of marrying a man so much older than she is? Do you think at her age she even understands what marriage means in the sexual sense?

Essay Topic 2

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 "Doomsday Book" relevant to the action of the novel? What sort of emotional/psychological response does the title evoke? Why do you think Willis chose this title (if she does)? 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 The Doomsday Book and your editor says the title must be changed, what would you choose? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of manipulation and power in Doomsday Book. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with manipulation and power? Why? What are some symbols of manipulation and power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of hypocrisy in Doomsday Book. Which characters seem hypocritical? Why? Which characters seem sincere? Why? Which ones seem not to care about looking good to others? What is the difference between how the two types live?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death. Compare/contrast how the people of 1348 view death to the views of those in 2054. Which is most like your own view of death? Who seems afraid of dying? Not afraid? Who meets death gracefully? In resignation? With joy? With fear?

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