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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. How does Theo know Jasper?

2. What is Julian's most notable physical feature?

3. What are the legal requirements regarding newborn domestic animals?

4. How does Theo's father die?

5. Xan and Theo salute which historical moment on the bridge near Xan's home?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are the flagellants in the park and what do they represent of society?

2. Describe the role of Woolcombe in shaping Theo's character.

3. Describe the priest and the conversation Theo has with him in Chapter 8.

4. Describe Theo's concerns that he writes about in his diary after his visit from the State Security Police.

5. Though he eventually is asked over, for what event is Theo not invited to the home of Helena and her new husband?

6. What is the Coronation Ring and why is Theo unhappy with Xan for wearing it?

7. What does Miriam say has happened to her brother?

8. Discus the Evangelist Rosie McClure, and what she is a representation of.

9. How does Theo think Xan will respond to the notice from the Five Fishes? If Theo never leaves the Council, could he be more help to Julian?

10. What is the Chief Inspector alluding to when he mentions his niece seeing Theo talk at Oxford University, and how does he do this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The British setting of the book largely affects the characters' traits and many of the societal themes. What have you learned about British culture by reading the book? How is it similar and how is it different from your own culture? What do you think would have been different if this were a book written by an author in your own country? British students can discuss what they would imagine would have been different should the book have been of another nation's writing.

Essay Topic 2

The role of the elderly is a major theme in the book. Discuss this role, and what it says about our society. Use examples from the book to support your claims.

Essay Topic 3

The author used foreshadowing many times throughout the course of the novel. Discuss some of the instances in which this technique was used, and how it added to the narrative. Can you recollect any events that are not foreshadowed that you feel would have added to the story if they were? Discuss.

(see the answer keys)

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