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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. What does Theo expect in the near future as he contemplates his meeting with the SSP?

2. Where is Theo meeting Xan on behalf of the Five Fishes in Chapter 11?

3. Who is Theo meeting in Chapter 14?

4. When Theo is frustrated during his conversation in Chapter 14, what does the author say he wishes to do?

5. After his thoughts swirl from the visit of the SSP and then the Five Fishes, what does Theo ponder next in Chapter 18?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is Theo annoyed when Julian tries to consider that being sent to the Isle of Man is a good idea?

4. In their private conversation after the meeting, how does Xan describe his authority to Theo?

5. Why do you think Theo is repulsed so much by the Quietus, even though it seems to be his society's norm?

6. Does Theo immediately realize that he wishes to help the Five Fishes while witnessing the Quietus?

7. Does Theo have pleasant memories of his original trip to Blythburgh with his family? Why is it then ironic that he is there the second time?

8. What does the Cast Museum say about Xan and Theo's relationship?

9. What does Theo find in his mail two weeks after meeting Julian to discuss his meeting with Xan? What is his opinion of it?

10. After his visit from the State Security Police, how does Theo wish to help the Five Fishes? What are the problems?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One theme of the book is the human ability to persevere with compassion, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Discuss where you saw compassion in the behavior of the characters. Who surprises you the most with their compassion? Who do you expect to see more from?

Essay Topic 2

Theo falls into the work of the Five Fishes mostly by circumstance. A question of free will vs. fate comes into play here. Which do you think is most applicable in regards to Theo? Use examples from the book to support your claims.

Essay Topic 3

What are the largest revelations or turning points in the book? How do they change the behavior of the characters? How do they affect the actions of the story?

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