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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 finds Bill in Russell Square?

2. What does Bill notice about his hands?

3. What does Susan say about her previous meals of junk food?

4. Why can Mary not be moved?

5. Who organizes Tynsham?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how Joyce became poisoned and how she was saved.

2. Why do you think the small groups located by helicopter in Chapter Twelve choose not to join other groups?

3. Explain Bill's argument that an immediate need for harvest is not necessary.

4. Explain Josella's fears about her wedding.

5. Describe Bill's view of loneliness.

6. Explain how Coker describes himself, and his abilities.

7. Explain some of the mishaps that befall Bill as he journey's to find Josella.

8. Explain what Bill finds at Tynsham.

9. Explain how Coker meets with Bill again.

10. Describe Shirning Farm.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Bill and the others fight to retain their rights to their own lives. Before the crisis, Bill admits he lived for his job. What does Bill feel following the crisis? How does the crisis affect his outlook on life? In what ways is Bill forced to fight for his freedom throughout the novel? How does Josella fight for hers? What forces are trying to take away their freedom? Why? What do those individuals want with Bill and Josella? Is this fair? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The role of women drastically changes in the novel from pre-crisis to immediately following the crisis to long term. Explain this shift in roles. What were women prior to the event? How did that role change immediately following the comet? How did this again change when viewing long term goals of society? What is the new primary function of women in the new society? Does this differ greatly from the view of women prior to the catastrophe? In what way? Do you believe women could easily shift roles this way in reality? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, there is a consistent struggle between doing what is morally right and doing what is necessary for survival. Choose one representation of this struggle from the following list and explain it in detail. What is the conflict? Why is there a conflict? How is one path more morally right than the other? Can the moral path not lead to survival in some way and the survival path not be made moralistically right? Why or why not? Be sure to be specific in relating the struggle back to the novel.

• Married men at University Tower being forced to mate and care for two blind women, as well.

• The forced care of ten blind persons by one sighted person as dictated by the Emergency Council.

• The choice of saving the blind at Tynsham even at the expense of the sighted.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 981 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample