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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. A series of important writings is attributed to whom?

2. In what century was the site created?

3. What time of day did Carson typically have lunch?

4. In what year were the remnants of the first flying machine discovered?

5. What word is used to describe the state of the crew at this point?

Short Essay Questions

1. When did the excavation begin? How long did it last? Who helped?

2. What are Carson's names for items #8, 9, & 10?

3. The item(s) were eventually classified as being what?

4. What covered the majority of North America?

5. When was there an interest rekindled in North America? Why?

6. What did German scholar Heinrich von Hooligan discover? What was the alleged purpose of the items(s)?

7. What happened right after the catastrophe?

8. Who did Carson often talk to during the long days at the site?

9. Explain the Sacred Headband. What is the inscription on it?

10. Carson referred to these locations in the story but what were they really?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Water is a common theme when researching ancient cultures. In the case of the Motel of the Mysteries, there are several sections that refer to the use of water, from the Inner Chamber to the pool area by the Great Courtyard. Discuss each item that can be related to water. Explain its real use, the use created for the book, and how each item works. Why is water so important? What can be learned about a culture's use of water? When was the first water vessel discovered? Where?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the relationship between Howard Carson and Harriet Burton. In the beginning of the book Harriet is referred to as a colleague. As the book goes on it becomes clear that Harriet has a sense of deep devotion toward Carson. Write a detailed synopsis of the relationship between the two excavators. What were the pros and cons? Did either person make it obvious that there was something more than a purely professional relationship? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the book, Howard Carson maintains a fascination with camels. In the beginning of the book, Carson researches hump productivity. What prompted Carson to study hump productivity in the first place? Does Carson ever figure out the use for the camel's hump? How could it become more "productive?" What would it produce? Why do you think Carson was so fascinated with camels? What is the mass that makes up a camel's hump? What were Carson's final assessments and/or achievements regarding the camel? What piece of history was made due to Carson's research?

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