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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. Where does Ish drive when he finds out Em is pregnant?

2. On his way back to the city, Ish breaks into a fine home. What does he do while he is there?

3. What can Joey do better than any of the other children?

4. When Ish drives to a certain building after finding out Em is pregnant, 
how does he manage to get inside?

5. How does Em demonstrate to Ish that children are necessary?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Ish's feelings about the execution seem to be very different than the feelings of the others?

2. Who gave Isherwood his name, and why?

3. What was the significance of Ish taking the hammer with him to meet Charlie instead of another weapon?

4. Why are Bob and Dick so eager to use a brick to smash the door instead of the hammer?

5. Why does Ish start walking with a limp?

6. When visiting the library, what does Joey ask Ish about restoring? What does he see that causes him to ask the question?

7. In Chapter 4, the author says this of Milt and Ann that they would "pay the penalty which in the history of the world, he knew, had always been inflicted upon organisms which specialized too highly." What do you think the author means by this statement? How has the author shown the same principle already in the text?

8. Are the other Tribe members as dedicated to education as Ish is? Why or why not?

9. What purpose do funeral rites serve, according to the author?

10. What is notable about how Ish acts on his trip home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After the first 22 years, Ish suggests, during one of the tribe's meetings, that an expedition be sent out to find other people. The younger generation, including Ish's own sons, decide that Ish and other members of the older generation cannot go for various reasons. What is significant about this event?

Essay Topic 2

Why do you think Ish feels personally responsible for the fate of civilization?

Essay Topic 3

Ish, as the main character, is constantly thinking about the benefits and deficiencies of the old civilization. As the story progresses, he notices how many things have changed, but not according to his plan. However, there are times he has to admit that the changes are positive. Based on Ish's thoughts and the author's italicized commentaries, do you think that the author views civilization as good, bad, or with both elements? What is your reasoning?

(see the answer keys)

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