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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 spots Kerans while he plants the explosives?

2. In Chapter 13, why does Riggs believe Strangman might receive rewards?

3. What does Kerans mention in relation to moving south across the silt flats?

4. What does Kerans use to navigate his journey?

5. What does Kerans see when he peers over the ship's edge in Chapter 10?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Kerans do after the explosion and what does he say to Beatrice?

2. How does Kerans care for Lieutenant Hardman during the days they spend together?

3. How does Kerans react when he stumbles upon the remains of a small temple?

4. What does Strangman give Beatrice?

5. How does Kerans navigate his journey south and what challenges does he face?

6. What significance do the albino snakes and lizards hold in relation to Strangman's arrival?

7. Why does Kerans question Riggs about not arresting Strangman?

8. How does the narrator depict Kerans as he ventures deeper into the jungle?

9. What does Kerans see in the old planetarium?

10. What is Strangman doing during the two weeks Kerans watches him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the symbolism of water in the novel and its multifaceted representation, ranging from destruction and chaos to rebirth and renewal.

Essay Topic 2

How does The Drowned World critique modern society's disregard for the environment? How does the book suggest we should respond to climate change?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of inevitability and the characters' resignation to the drowned world. How does their acceptance or resistance shape their actions and motivations?

(see the answer keys)

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