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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 is Danny's ally?

2. What key word does Emilio isolate as he listens to chanted Mozart?

3. What causes Sofia's passive resistance to turn to rebellion?

4. What does Sofia assume about Isaac?

5. Where does Sofia think Isaac would do well?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Isaac and Ha'anala stay in a Jana'ata camp? What message does Ha'anala send Sofia?

2. What does Suukmel tell Rukuei after the battle where Hlavin is killed?

3. Describe Nico's reaction to the music the Bruno picks up and how he and Emilio decide to be friends.

4. What do the crew see on Rakhat when Bruno enters orbit and what do they hear? What does Joseba say about it?

5. What happens to Bruno in 2047 on the way to Rakhat?

6. Describe the fight between Supaari and Hlavin.

7. What kind of music does Bruno pick up in 2070-73, why does Emilio agree to listen to it and what does he say about it?

8. What angers Puska about Hlavin and what does she know about Ha'anala's fate?

9. What does Sean want to know from Emilio as they talk of God on the Bruno and what does Sean say Emilio must do about his misfortune?

10. What does Laaks tell Emilio about Ha'anala and what is Emilio's response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of manipulation and power in CHILDREN OF GOD. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with manipulation and power? Why? What are some symbols of manipulation and power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of genocide in CHILDREN OF GOD. Which characters seem to accept that genocide is sometimes necessary? Why? Which characters seem opposed to genocide no matter what? Why? Which ones seem not to care one way or the other?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death. Death happens on a scale that is almost incomprehensible with thousands of sentient beings being wiped out of existence. Does this inure a reader to the impact of death? When death is brought to a more individual level, such as in Rakhat, does it have a greater impact? How do the Jana'ata civilization seem to view death? What about the Runa?

Essay Topic 2

CHILDREN OF GOD is the sequel to Sparrow.

1. What are two advantages of writing two novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are two disadvantages of writing two novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a stand-alone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a stand-alone book versus a sequel? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Theodicy, which is the belief that God is good and omnipotent in spite of there being evil or suffering is an important theme in CHILDREN OF GOD as is the concept of redemptive suffering. Vincenzo's faith has been greatly undermined and he needs to find meaning in Emilio's sufferings. before Sean insists on knowing why Emilio blames God rather than Satan for his misfortunes and demands that he, like Jesus, embrace suffering to find meaning.

1. Discuss reasons why some people might deny the existence of God because of the evil they see. Use examples from Children of God to illustrate your reasons.

2. What do you think is meant by redemptive suffering? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

3. How might someone like Sean believe a person could find a meaning for life in suffering? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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