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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. There has only been one materialization in which a spectator was invited to witness the event. Since this particular materialization, what has Beatrice done?

2. What ship are Boaz and Unk scheduled to fly to Earth on?

3. What is the name of Unk's son?

4. Beatrice complains that she no longer wants to be part of the human race. What does Beatrice want to be instead?

5. How long has Salo been stranded on Titan?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Malachi's helicopter is landing on the corporation's headquarters building, what does the helicopter remind those on the ground of? Why?

2. Why does Malachi send offensive letters to Beatrice?

3. When Beatrice and Winston are together in Skip's Museum, why is Beatrice upset with Winston?

4. What did the invitation to witness the materialization say regarding the relationship between Malachi and Winston? Why is this odd for Malachi?

5. As the story begins and the next materialization is about to occur, the police inform the crowd that the materialization has already taken place a few blocks away. Why?

6. What does the man at the stake tell Unk with his dying breath?

7. Why does Unk strangle the man at the stake?

8. Why do the children on Mars spend so little time studying?

9. As "Cheers in the Wirehouse" opens, the reader learns that Malachi Constant is using the name Jonah K. Rowley. Why?

10. What is United Hotcake?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare the relationship of Malachi and Beatrice at the beginning of the story and at the end of the story. What major theme in the novel is showcased in the development of their relationship? Explain and support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

When stranded on Titan, Malachi originally begins to attempt to fix Salo because he wants Chrono to be able to spend his remaining days on Earth. In the end, while Malachi chooses to return to Earth, there are several characters who are quite content to abandon their home planet.

a. Compare and contrast Beatrice, who chooses to leave Earth, and Boaz, who chooses to remain on Mercury.

b. Compare and contrast Boaz and Chrono, who both decline to return to Earth when they have the chance to go back.

Essay Topic 3

When we meet Malachi Constant, he is living alone. When Malachi's life ends, he is again alone. How have Malachi's character, goals, and attitudes changed from the beginning of the story to the end?

(see the answer keys)

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