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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. Where do Bill and Josella agree the light in the night came from?

2. What was the result of this event?

3. What is the name of the hospital in which the narrator is residing?

4. What does the Colonel suggest the colony does immediately?

5. How does the narrator learn that blindness has afflicted people?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the circumstances that resulted in Bill's hospitalization.

2. Explain what the landlord at the end of chapter 1 plans on doing, and how.

3. Give a brief explanation of the various speculations pertaining to the coming of the triffids.

4. Explain how the seeds of the triffid came to spread across the world, according to the story by Bill of Umberto Palanguez.

5. Describe the events of the night of May 7th, in terms of what the narrator notes is said to have occurred, according to history books.

6. Explain the difference between Josella's view of triffids and Bill's. Why are they do drastically different?

7. Describe the different aspects of society Bill and Josella say goodbye to in Chapter Five.

8. Explain why Bill feels a sense of relief at his new situation?

9. Explain the argument of Beadley that the world is better off after the comet than it was before.

10. Explain why Bill decides to go to London at the beginning of Chapter Three?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some would argue that the ending of the novel is a message to civilization about the dangers of the future, in that mankind, in the book, is doomed to live on a small island while attempts are made continuously to end the existence of man. On the other hand, some would argue that the ending of the novel is hopeful, in that mankind is left to rebuild itself, possibly in a more coherent and non-violent way. Which opinion do you agree with? Why? What is the overall message of the entire story? Do you think Wyndham's view of his own civilization is positive or negative? Why? Do you think this book was meant as a warning or as a message of hope? Be sure to use examples from the novel to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

The Emergency Council of Britain proposes to establish military rule over the colonies of England and to force them into servitude for the masses. In short, the able are tasked to care for the disabled, even at the risk of their own health and welfare. Such a concept is somewhat socialistic in nature. Do you think such a plan is feasible or fair? Why or why not? Do you think Bill's farm could support so many individuals? Why or why not? Do you think the Emergency Council's concept that they need to be ready for other nations to attempt to over run England is realistic? Why? Why does Wyndham include such ideas at the end of the novel? What does the Emergency Council likely represent?

Essay Topic 3

In the novel, Bill blames satellites for the end of society. He suggests that the satellites were weapons and that one held radiation that would burn out the eye. Examine this concept from the standpoint of the book's writing. What was the atmosphere, as explained by Bill in the novel, like at the time? What was happening in the world? What was the Cold War? Why were people so afraid of satellites? Why would Bill blame them for the end of the civilized world? Do you think such a concept makes sense? Why or why not? What does this say about the technological advancements at the time?

(see the answer keys)

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