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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. What does Kivron notice about a visiting priest?

2. Who does Kivrin hope has died?

3. What does the public believe about time travel?

4. Who is filling in for one of the bell ringers?

5. What does Gilchrist say to Dunworthy?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Mary and Dunworthy realize when Montoya is brought into the hospital and how does Dunworthy react?

2. What is the situation with the steward and digging graves?

3. What happens as Kivrin prepares to travel to Scotland with Fr. Roche and Rosemund?

4. Describe the scene where Kivrin goes to mass with the family and her talk with Gawyn on the way home.

5. How does Kivrin slip up and what does she do to try to cover her mistake?

6. What about the virus situation in modern times concerns Dunworthy?

7. What does Andrew say when Dunworthy asks him to come work the lab machines? What does it not matter?

8. What does Kivrin first do upon realizing the date and what is wrong with the clerk?

9. What note does the young boy bring from the bishop and why does Kirvin already know its contents?

10. Describe the discussion between Badri and Dunworthy about Kirvin's time travel.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of a book such as Doomsday Book place themselves in the position of someone like Kivrin, wondering about what their response would be in a similar situation. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as the Doomsday Book help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Doomsday Book? Why or why not?

3. Choose one specific incident to discuss and compare Kivrin's response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

In chapter twenty, three men arrive at the manor where Kivrin is staying. In the excerpt from the Doomesday Book, Kivrin notes they are an envoy from the bishop, that they drink readily, and that one had grabbed at Maisry, slipping his hand down the bodice of her gown. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the priest in the Bishop's envoy to Fr. Roche. Who seems genuinely spiritual, compassionate, or living his beliefs?

2. Much has been written about the corruption of the Catholic church over the centuries. Can any large institution, including a religious institution remain totally without corruption? Why or why not?

3. What surprises Kivrin about Fr. Roche? Do her impressions continue throughout the time she is in the past? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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