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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 happens to the fire that extends from the glass ring to Swan?

2. How does Roland feel about what his Job's Mask might reveal when it falls off?

3. Rusty remembers the saying "fight fire with fire." Which member of his family was fond of saying that phrase?

4. How much time does Roland give the American Allegiance to provide the Army of Excellence with supplies?

5. What is taking place in Mary's Rest when Sister's group arrives?

Short Essay Questions

1. Based on events at Mary's Rest and within the Army of Excellence, what effect do the Job's Masks appear to have on their wearer's faces?

2. How do Sister and Swan recover the glass ring?

3. What arrangements does the evil man make with the Army of Excellence?

4. How does Roland feel about Macklin during the fighting with the American Allegiance and Mary's Rest?

5. What bothers Swan about the dead child at the lake?

6. How is Swan's group welcomed to Mary's Rest?

7. What happens between Swan and the evil man at the apple truck?

8. What preparation does the town make to defend itself from the Army of Excellence?

9. What is Sister's mission, and what signs guide her on the way?

10. Why does Robin want to see Swan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the beginning of the novel, the President of the united states is obsessed with fire. He says that mankind has always been obsessed with it, and he becomes obsessed with it himself. Fire recurs throughout the novel as a powerful symbol, being particularly associated with Friend. Near the end of the novel, it is revealed that the former President intends to activate a doomsday device that melts the ice caps, which is another use of fire for destructive ends.

1) Discuss the President's interest in and obsession with fire as a symbol. Explain what causes this obsession and how it affects him after the nuclear blasts.

2) Cite examples from the book to describe how fire is associated with Friend. What theme does the author establish through the use of this association?

3) Describe other uses of fire as a symbol in the novel, including Rusty's saying of "fighting fire with fire."

4) Explain what fire is intended to represent in the novel, and how this concept stands contrary to what the protagonists are trying to achieve.

Essay Topic 2

Near the end of the novel, Friend admits that his goal is to destroy the human spirit.

1) Explain what is meant by the human spirit in the context of the novel.

2) Explain why Friend wants to destroy the human spirit and the world that would exist if he succeeded.

3) Discuss ways that the human spirit is degraded or strengthened throughout the novel, and explain how these ends are achieved.

4) Describe Swan's impact on the strength of the human spirit in other individuals and communities.

Essay Topic 3

Swan and the evil man are set up as diametrically opposed forces that eventually come into conflict near the end of the novel.

1) Describe Swan as a character and explain her powers. Discuss her capacities for forgiveness and compassion and their narrative importance.

2) Explain the evil man's powers, goals, and potential origins.

3) Explain how Swan and the evil man's personalities and goals stand in direct contradiction of one another.

4) Discuss some of the encounters between Swan and the evil man. Explain why he is unable to defeat Swan.

(see the answer keys)

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