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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 Hugo Beck say Armitage is preaching?

2. Where does Harvey find his son?

3. Who is Deke expecting to attack his farm?

4. Who is arguing when Harvey wakes?

5. What lands near Deke Wilson's property?

Short Essay Questions

1. What idea does Dan Forrester have to stop the New Brotherhood Army and does it seem plausible?

2. What does Harvey do and how do his tactics work on delaying the Brotherhood?

3. What does Al tell Harvey about Maureen?

4. Discuss Maureen's conversation with the Reverend Varley and her response to it.

5. How does Harvey help Maureen resolve her inner conflict?

6. Why is Harvey designate to create obstacles for the New Brotherhood Army and what does he call himself?

7. What are some people resorting to as they try to survive and what do you think of the idea?

8. What does it seem the general philosophy of life is now for most people?

9. How does Tim and his group get admitted to the ranch?

10. What does Tim suggest about the power plant and what is the ultimate decision?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Soon after the comet hits, Eric goes back to the Burbank Jail where he finds that a jailer has released all the prisoners except Fred. Eric, citing the fact that no one deserved to die locked in a cell, kills the murderer. Discuss the following:

Do you believe Eric did the right thing in killing Fred?

What if it were a prisoner where the certainty of his guilt was not proved; then what should Eric do?

What do you think should happen in the prisons across the United States where those serving time have been found guilty in a court of law? Should they be released from certain death if they remain locked up?

Essay Topic 2

Fred Lauren murders a woman named Coleen because he believes the end of the world is imminent and thus he no longer fears the threat of punishment by giving in to his insane urges. Discuss the following:

How strongly do you think that doomsday predictions influence those who are mentally unstable already? Give examples from the book and your personal knowledge. (Think about Y2K, Jonestown, etc.).

Do you think you would ever believe a doomsday prediction such as a comet hitting the earth? Why or why not?

Do you believe those who preach such messages should be held accountable for their actions if people who hear them do such things as Fred Lauren does? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Harry Newcombe, the mail carrier, decides to continue delivering his mail despite all that has occurred. Additionally, he self-appoints his role as message carrier to the area around the Jellison ranch. Discuss the following:

How does Harry's role provide some comic relief to the intensity of so much else that is happening?

Do you think Harry as a self-proclaimed messenger has an important role in the book? Why or why not.

Does Harry maintaining his mail schedule help to calm others? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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