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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 asserts there are "guns under the table," indicating hidden interests?

2. What is the transnational corporation that has received a prospecting contract?

3. What is the new transnational mining site where John learns about an Arab colony?

4. After John meets the Coyote, what strikes the atmosphere of Mars and burns brilliantly?

5. Who is Ann relieved to see when the group is reunited with the missing colonists at the end of the book?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ann crumble in mental stability as the destruction of Mars occurs?

2. How does Frank disappear, trying to save his companions?

3. After Frank's office is flooded with immigrants, why does he decide to go to Phyllis for help?

4. How does it does become clear that the terraforming effort is not working as planned, affecting Mars in destructive ways?

5. How does Nadia emerge as a heroine during the revolution through her work?

6. What does Arkady's assertion that there are "guns under the table" foreshadow in the chapters after Part 5?

7. How does Frank respond after learning the treaty has failed?

8. Why does Nadia blow up the space station?

9. How does Simon reveal himself to be a strong force when he gets angry with Ann?

10. How does Phyllis's desire for money become apparent through her efforts on Mars?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Maya. What is her role in the story? What was Robinson trying to accomplish by creating Maya's character in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

John and Frank are two of the most active characters in the settlement of the Ares colony on Mars.

Part 1) What is their relationship? How do they co-exist and how do they interact? What is similar about them and what is different?

Part 2) What are some events that John had a direct influence upon? What are some events that Frank had a direct influence upon?

Part 3) Which character offers support to the group? Which one is stronger and why?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the power of the scientists in Red Mars. Is the press objective? Why or why not? What kind of academic bias do they reveal? How are they influenced?

(see the answer keys)

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