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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. In his letter to the future, what does Vonnegut say today's rulers are doing to Nature's stern but reasonable surrender terms?

2. The gestation period of 'possums is twelve days and Indian elephants twenty-two months. What does the author believe is the gestation period for American liberty?

3. Who is the composer of the new requiem setting?

4. What do the free speech provisions of the First Amendment make Vonnegut want to do?

5. To what author's work does Vonnegut compare the Bill of Rights' First Amendment?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is one similarity and one difference between the author and Elie Wiesel?

2. What are two characteristics of Jackson Pollock's work?

3. How are the Reverend and the Attorney General's Commission on Pornography the same?

4. Why does Vonnegut write his own mass?

5. Describe Vonnegut's experiences at Lake Maxincuckee.

6. Why does Vonnegut say the NRA is incorrect in its use of Article II of the Bill of Rights?

7. A unicorn, it is said, will lay its head in a maiden's lap if she sits in a forest clearing. Why is Vonnegut's sister, Alice, the maiden to Father's unicorn?

8. How does Jill embody the Women's Liberation Movement? How does this attitude toward life make her a better person?

9. What is a possible reason for Jane's English relatives not wanting her to marry a German?

10. What is the Reverend's opinion on banning objectionable books?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The First Amendment allows Americans the freedom of speech and the press.

Part 1) Although Vonnegut supports this, why does this freedom upset him? Give examples from the text.

Part 2) What part of the First Amendment does the NRA use to support its cause? Do you agree with the way the NRA interprets this freedom?

Part 3) Write a letter to the NRA expressing your opinion about its interpretation of the First Amendment.

Essay Topic 2

Dresden was firebombed in retaliation for previous attacks on the British during World War II.

Part 1) Was Dresden a good choice for the military to bomb? Why or why not?

Part 2) How would you feel if you had been a POW in Dresden during the firebombing?

Part 3) Are there any cities in the world that have been bombed but you feel shouldn't have been?

Essay Topic 3

Vonnegut is continually unhappy with Christianity throughout the book.

Part 1) Give examples of the behavior of Christians mentioned in the book that would strengthen this attitude towards Christianity.

Part 2) How do groups of Christians mentioned go against or change the meaning of the Bible?

Part 3) Although Vonnegut is not a Christian, he spends quite a bit of time in churches. Do you think, based on his opinion of Christianity, he should have been allowed to speak in churches? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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