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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 Harv do when he returns to see what Nell has done with the matter compiler?

2. In the Primer, why and how does Dinosaur sacrifice his life after he, Nell, and their three magic friends escape from the castle?

3. In the Leased Territories, where do Nell and Harv sleep during their first night on the run?

4. How does the banker explain to Bud the penalties for missing payments on a line of credit?

5. In what way is the bridge an example of die-hard habits on the part of architects?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is "toner", as described in "Nell Sees Something Peculiar?"

2. In "The Torture Chamber of Judge Fang," what is unusual about the torture and the prisoner's response to that torture?

3. In "Hackworth Receives an Unexpected Visit from Inspector Chang," how does Chang exhibit Confucian ideals in his dealings with Hackworth?

4. In "Mysterious Souvenir from Dr. X," what amazing device does Hackworth receive when he inserts a card into a matter compiler?

5. In "Particulars of Nell's Domestic Situation," what happens when Harv brings home a scrap of woven fabric he found by the sea?

6. As explained in "Hackworth in the Hong of Dr. X," why does Dr. X have such an unusual name, and what is his profession?

7. As explained in "Miranda Takes an Interest in an Anonymous Client," how does Nell's interaction with her Primer differ from that of other children?

8. In "Judge Fang Pays a Visit to the Celestial Kingdom," why is the conversation between Judge Fang and Dr. X vague and inconcrete?

9. In "More Tales from the Primer," what is the significance of the story of Belle, Dojo, and Dinosaur?

10. In "Nell's Further Experiences with the Primer," how does the Primer reveal its ability to empathize with Nell and adapt to her needs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the three Graces, as taught at Miss Matheson's Academy of the Three Graces? Why are the three Graces important? Why is the teaching of one particular Grace so difficult and contrary to its name?

Essay Topic 2

The author uses performances throughout the novel to propel the action, including ractor interactions in the Primer, theatrical plays, passives, actives, mediatrons, trance-like rituals, and scripted brothel fantasies. Discuss the author's use of drama within drama to forward the plot of "The Diamond Age".

Essay Topic 3

Track the gradually developing mother/daughter relationship between Miranda and Nell as it grows throughout the novel by way of the Primer, culminating in Nell's rescue of Miranda using skills she learned from the Primer.

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