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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. Whose presence does Richard feel when he wakes up at 3:00 A.M., even though he can't see him?

2. Shimoda tells Richard, "Nothing good is a miracle, and nothing lovely is a _________."

3. What does the man in the wheelchair do that makes the scene look staged, according to Richard?

4. What is the reason Richard gives for going to the movie? He wants to see _________.

5. The covering of this Master training manual is made of ____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Shimoda tell people they are in control of, though always in the parable format?

2. What passage can Shimoda not recall as Richard is flipping through the section on Perspective?

3. What happens when Shimoda tosses Richard a wrench as they are working on the engine?

4. What does Richard have to say about life when eating dinner with Shimoda in Hammond, Wisconsin?

5. What does Shimoda claim to Richard when they first meet?

6. What is the passage Shimoda shares with Richard after the situation that occurs in #19?

7. What must people do in order to enjoy life and to experience the illusion of time and space?

8. What does Richard answer when Shimoda asks him why he is at the movie?

9. What do gypsy fliers need in order to fly their planes and to land them in the fields?

10. Why does Richard find it difficult to look at Shimoda too closely?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although he used to be a Messiah, Shimoda seems to have troubles controlling his patience. This seems to be in conflict with what he can do for Richard.

Part 1: Describe one instance in which Shimoda becomes impatient with Richard.

Part 2: What might be the reason for Shimoda becoming so impatient with Richard?

Part 3: How does Shimoda's impatience help Richard's progress? How does it hurt Richard's progress?

Essay Topic 2

The theme of flying is symbolic in a number of ways in this story. The planes which fly are gypsy planes, unchecked and possibly illegal.

Part 1: Describe the idea of gypsy flying. What does it entail?

Part 2: How does the idea of flying relate to the idea of being a Messiah?

Part 3: What does flying symbolize to Richard during the story?

Essay Topic 3

The assassination of Shimoda has been alluded to throughout the book, though it's no less shocking when it does happen.

Part 1: Describe the scene in which Shimoda is killed.

Part 2: What is Richard's reaction to the killing of Shimoda?

Part 3: What is the result of Shimoda's assassination? What happened to Richard as a result?

(see the answer keys)

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