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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. "The Diamond Age" is set in what era?

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

3. What do Harv and Nell conclude about the small piece of cloth Harv found near the sea?

4. Who is the mother of Nell and Harv?

5. Hackworth and Lord Finkle-McGraw communicate easily because they are both members of what?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Miranda's Reactions to the Evening's Events," what selfless act does Dinosaur perform and why?

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

3. When Bud visits a mod parlor, what upgrade does he choose and what sort of technology is involved?

4. In "Hackworth Receives an Unexpected Visit from Inspector Chang," how does Chang exhibit Confucian ideals in his dealings with Hackworth?

5. When Bud visits the Peacock Bank in "Financial Complications of Bud's Lifestyle," what does he learn about credit and how defaults are handled?

6. Describe Nell's early experiences with her Primer, as depicted in "Harv Brings Nell a Present."

7. In "Bud Is Prosecuted," how does the trial and sentencing of Bud illuminate the Confucian system of justice that Judge Fang follows?

8. In "Hackworth's Dilemma," what is Hackworth's dilemma?

9. 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?

10. At the gates of Dovetail in "A Morning Stroll Through the Leased Territories," what special skill from the Primer does Nell use to gain the trust and respect of Constable Moore, who guards the town?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways do the social and environmental issues described in "The Diamond Age" mirror our own?

Essay Topic 2

Consider the fabric Harv found by the sea and brought home to examine with Nell. How is the woven fabric a metaphor for the Confucian lifestyle? How is the low-quality plastic fabric created by matter compilers representative of the Thete lifestyle? Discuss the irony of the Victorians' preference for handmade woven fabric over that created by matter compilers.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses performances throughout the novel to propel the action, including ractor interactions in the Primer, theatrical plays, passives, actives, mediatrons, trance-like rituals, and scripted brothel fantasies. Discuss the author's use of drama within drama to forward the plot of "The Diamond Age".

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