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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. What does the executioner place over Jack's head?

2. What happens to Dappa after the duel?

3. How many goldsmiths are sworn in at the trial?

4. What name does Jack note at the reading of his last rights?

5. What is Leibniz afraid will happen before he finishes his project?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Sir Isaac's death hidden from the officials?

2. Describe Sir Isaac's illness.

3. What happens to Jack, according to the Epilogs?

4. What is different about the last moments Sir Isaac and Leibniz spend with each other?

5. What is the procedure for testing the gold guinea samples?

6. What are Daniel's conflicting thoughts about sacking Sir Isaac as master of the mint?

7. Why does the exchange between Jack and his visitor sicken Daniel?

8. What unusual occurrences has Jack experienced, and what is mysterious about them?

9. Though torture is a punishment, does Jack gain anything positive from the experience?

10. What are the negative aspects and results of the coronation of the king?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Daniel and Sir Isaac's time, patenting laws and intellectual property rights did not exist to protect inventors and natural philosophers. What problems do the characters run into with the threat of someone stealing their ideas, and how do they protect themselves? How do you think these disputes would be settled if they occurred today?

Essay Topic 2

The fate of England's currency is a major subject throughout the narrative: why does counterfeiting pose such a threat of unbalancing national stability? Be sure to explain Sir Isaac's role and effect in regard to England's economy.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the threats coming from lands beyond England with the threats coming from within the country itself. Which are more severe? Explain using examples.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 652 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample