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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 experiment does Snow suggest to Kelvin?

2. What does Kelvin try to convince Rheya of, after she tries to kill herself?

3. What does Kelvin tell Rheya when she asks if she looks like the first Rheya.

4. What does the ocean do when it laps up against humans?

5. What does the voice warn Kelvin about, in his dream?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Rheya choose the method she uses to try to kill herself?

2. How does Rheya sign her suicide note?

3. How does Rheya describe being away from Kelvin?

4. Describe an extensor.

5. Why does Kelvin say he doesn't want Rheya to overhear his conversation?

6. What does Rheya want from Kelvin, after she listens to the tape recorder?

7. Why does Kelvin go to the library?

8. Why does Snow want to give Kelvin a job to do?

9. Describe the ocean as Kelvin sees it, after leaving the research station for the first time.

10. Describe Sartorius' speech to Kelvin before the experiment.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the main dreams of Solarists is contact with the ocean, and so one of the major thematic elements in Solaris is communication.

1) What are the obstacles to communication in Solaris, both between the ocean and the scientists and between the human characters? What is the effect of a lack of communication?

2) Does the ocean attempt to communicate with the scientists?

3) Is communication possible with the ocean?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the genre of the novel Solaris.

1) How does Solaris utilize the science fiction genre? Why does the author choose a space setting, and how does he utilize science and technology to communicate his themes and ideas?

2) In what ways is Solaris a mystery or psychological thriller? What elements of the mystery/thriller genre does the author use?

3) What elements of the horror/ghost story genre does Solaris use? Is the story of Solaris a horrifying one?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the history of Solaris in the novel, Solarists have had multiple theories about the nature of Solaris' ocean. Discuss the nature of Solaris' ocean.

1) What are various theories that exist about Solaris' ocean, and why are there so many theories?

2) What is the most plausible theory of Solaris' ocean, based on the events and information in the novel?

3) Is it possible to understand the nature of Solaris' ocean?

(see the answer keys)

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