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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 is the reaction of Unk's commanding officer when Unk carries out his orders?

2. What is chrono-synclasticinfundibulum?

3. As part of the rechristening ceremonies, what will space corporation's rocket ship be renamed?

4. Before founding Magnum Opus, what was Noel Constant's occupation?

5. What was one of Noel's guiding rules at the beginning of his investment career?

Short Essay Questions

1. When the reader is first introduced to Ransom K. Fern, the reader learns that he will be quitting his job. Why does Ransom K. Fern quit?

2. What do the flags flying in front of the army barracks signify?

3. How does Beatrice feel about her husband?

4. Why does Unk strangle the man at the stake?

5. According to the narrator, what did Earth's advance agents find in space that had already been found in abundance on Earth?

6. When Malachi's helicopter is landing on the corporation's headquarters building, what does the helicopter remind those on the ground of? Why?

7. How does Beatrice become penniless?

8. What does Unk find particularly disturbing about Boaz and why?

9. According to the hospital, what is the very worst thing that Unk can do?

10. As the story begins and the next materialization is about to occur, the police inform the crowd that the materialization has already taken place a few blocks away. Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses irony throughout the story to highlight various situations. For example, Rumfoord uses Malachi to further his own purposes and yet Rumfoord is being used by Salo to further the delivery of Salo's replacement part to Titan. Identify at least three situations where the author has used irony to highlight themes in the book.

Essay Topic 2

Rumfoord employs many sinister techniques to make sure the people involved in his scheme end up exactly where they are supposed to end up.

a. Identify four methods Rumfoord uses to keep the other characters in place.

b. How does Rumfoord hide his identity as he interacts with these characters?

c. What other methods might Rumfoord have used to still achieve his purpose? Would your method have been as effective in the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

While Unk and Boaz are stranded on Mercury, their experiences are very different. Compare and contrast the personalities, outlooks, living arrangements, and goals of these two men. Based on your understanding, which of these two men was better prepared for their temporary exile to Mercury? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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