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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Ravna deny to Svendndot?

2. What did Jefri's parents warn him to avoid?

3. Who agrees with Pham's version of the shootout?

4. Who are the three butterflies?

5. How does Tyrathect feel when using the new radio outfit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A Fire upon the Deep is written in the genre of science fiction. Discuss the following:

1. What sets science fiction apart from other genres? What are the characteristics of the genre of science fiction?

2. Based upon the characteristics you list in 1 above, discuss why A Fire upon the Deep falls under the genre of science fiction.

3. Some people might say that science fiction is merely for entertainment? Do you agree or not? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

In A Fire upon the Deep, it is hard to know who is the "good" guy versus the "bad" guy. Discuss one of the following:

1. Name two groups, factions, or individuals who are untrustworthy and analyze their actions and impact upon the plot throughout A Fire Upon the Deep. How far into the book does it take to separate the untrustworthy from those who can be trusted?

2. Name two groups/factions/individuals who are trustworthy and analyze their actions and impact upon the plot throughout A Fire Upon the Deep.

3. Are there some characters who can be trustworthy at times and not trustworthy at other times? Who? Why do they vacillate?

4. Ravna seems to be much more trusting than Pham. Do you think Ravna is too trusting? Is Pham too suspicious? Who does Pham mistrust and why? Give specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 15, Steel tours his dungeons, where the "raw material" is driven crazy to serve as the basis "blank packs." The dungeon is described in horrifying detail and contrasted with Woodcarver's processes aimed at the same goal, but bounded by "traditional ethics." Discuss the following:

1. Though Steel's methods are more horrific than Woodcarver's, their end goal is the same. Is this goal ethical? Why or why not?

2. Do you think what Steel and Woodcarver are attempting to do is moving the evolution of the Tines forward? Why or why not?

3. What do you think Steel and Woodcarver want in creating blank packs? Are there other ways of obtaining the same end without dubious means?

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This section contains 455 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample