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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. In the torture chanber, PhyrePhox admits that his organization's ship carries what cargo?

2. What is another name for the office of Dr. X?

3. In the Leased Territories, where do Nell and Harv sleep during their first night on the run?

4. In "Nell Sees Something Peculiar", why is everything covered in black dust?

5. In the Primer, how are Princess Nell and Harv brought to their adoptive parents?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the emotional state of Hackworth in "Hackworth's Morning Ruminations".

2. In "Mysterious Souvenir from Dr. X," what amazing device does Hackworth receive when he inserts a card into a matter compiler?

3. In "Hackworth Presents the Primer to Lord Finkle-McGraw," why is Lord Finkle-McGraw unable to make the book function?

4. In "Hackworth Departs from Shanghai," what special reason does Hackworth have for giving a copy of the Primer to Fiona?

5. In "Nell's Further Experiences with the Primer," how does the Primer reveal its ability to empathize with Nell and adapt to her needs?

6. When Judge Fang and his associates visit the Leased Territories in "Judge Fang Visits His District," what do they learn about the two groups of mites that are patrolling the area?

7. In "The Torture Chamber of Judge Fang," what is unusual about the torture and the prisoner's response to that torture?

8. What is the significance of Hackworth's actions in "Hackworth Compiles the Young Lady's Illustrated Primer?"

9. As described in "Miranda," what is a full "Jodie" and why does Miranda go through sixteen hours of torture to obtain one?

10. In "Particulars of Nell's Domestic Situation," what happens when Harv brings home a scrap of woven fabric he found by the sea?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the various methods of sharing data as portrayed in the novel. Include discussions of the Feed, the Seed, the Drummer ritual, and the Primers.

Essay Topic 2

Give several examples of foreshadowing in "The Diamond Age". Discuss how the author uses that foreshadowing to advance the plot and increase the reader's understanding of the issues at hand.

Essay Topic 3

Who is the protagonist in "The Diamond Age"? Who is the antagonist? Is there more than one protagonist or antagonist? What are the qualities that sets each of them apart and suits them for their roles?

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