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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 one thing the Introduction mentions that scientists could not have conceived of at the beginning of the 20th Century?

2. Who takes responsibility for notifying ITC of the death of the old man?

3. What is one town Sir Oliver de Vannes conquers in the Hundred Years War?

4. What does Chris think about Kate at dinner in Sarlat?

5. In what year was the Hundred Years War ongoing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Wauneka show the Bakers that was in the old man's pocket, and what does Liz say about the drawing?

2. What is Marek like as a medieval historian?

3. What does Kramer pressure the Professor to do?

4. What does a young boy say about quantum foam?

5. What does the MRI on Traub reveal?

6. What does quantum technology make possible?

7. What alarms the Professor about the ITC's dealings concerning the Dordogne Site?

8. How do Chris and Stern inadvertently find a tower foundation, and how does Chris react?

9. What do the orderlies notice about the old man's shirt?

10. What is different about Marek's language abilities from most scholars?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

a. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Timeline. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Crichton chooses the symbols he does?

b. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Crichton chooses the metaphors he does?

c. Discuss Crichton's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Crichton use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

Michael Crichton, in his signature style, blends scientific fact with fiction in Timeline. The introduction is designed to lay the groundwork for his theme of scientific hubris. Crichton establishes a parallel between the arrogant shortsightedness of late 19th Century scientists and the equally arrogant, shortsighted scientists of the late 20th Century.

a. Discuss three examples of Crichton blending scientific fact with fiction in Timeline.

b. Discuss what is meant by the term scientific hubris in the above paragraph.

c. Compare one incident of scientific shortsightedness in the 19th Century to one in the late 20th Century. This may require research.

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

a. Fully explain why you think Timeline is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

b. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

c. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

d. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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