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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Previous to this injury, when Sacks had had electrical currents applied to his injured neck muscles, what happened?
(a) His neck muscles had remained tense and nearly immobile.
(b) He had the undeniable impulse to shrug.
(c) His neck muscles immediately relaxed.
(d) He felt shooting pains in his back.

2. When did Sacks suffer his second fall?
(a) January 1984.
(b) March 1983.
(c) November 1984.
(d) December 1982.

3. On one particular September morning, why did Sacks deeply enjoy lighting his pipe?
(a) The pipe fit into the scenery and his mood.
(b) He was a smoker.
(c) He saw the pipe as a sign of returning health.
(d) He thought he had never before had the leisure to light one.

4. Why were the set times and limits at the convalescent home important?
(a) They kept the patients from getting into mischief.
(b) They kept the patients from drifting into chaos or passivity.
(c) They kept the patients from reconnecting to the world too early.
(d) They showed the patients who held the power.

5. Sacks was excited about buying books written by a man named Head. What was the author's first name?
(a) Hugo.
(b) Howard.
(c) Henry.
(d) Herbert.

6. How many days did Sacks spend in limbo?
(a) Ten.
(b) Twelve.
(c) Four.
(d) Twenty-eight.

7. How had Sacks tried to revive his left leg?
(a) By wishing it into being.
(b) By thinking it into being.
(c) By praying it into being.
(d) By intense therapy.

8. What word does Nietzsche use to describe the feeling that convalescence brings?
(a) Intoxication.
(b) Calmness.
(c) Inebriation.
(d) Brightness.

9. What vital change in the world happened once Sacks moved out of his first hospital room?
(a) He felt distant from the other patients though he had expected to feel closer.
(b) He reinforced his individuality.
(c) He became part of a community again.
(d) He was intimidated by the vastness of the world.

10. According to Sacks, what was "the only proper posture of the soul at this time" (Chapter Three, pg 113)?
(a) Passivity and patience.
(b) Action.
(c) Action and prayer.
(d) Patience.

11. During his first visit home, what type of religious ceremony did Sacks attend with his family?
(a) Catholic.
(b) Jewish.
(c) New Age.
(d) Protestant.

12. What colors were the Head books which Sacks bought?
(a) Black and white.
(b) Red and white.
(c) Green and red.
(d) Yellow and purple.

13. For people with hemi-inattention, what does "anosognosis" mean?
(a) Unawareness of their physical bodies.
(b) Unawareness that they are neglecting one half of their bodies.
(c) Inability to communicate physical distress.
(d) Inability to communicate language confusion.

14. Sacks had written to Luria explaining his accident and the subsequent alienation he felt. What was Luria's response?
(a) Sacks' experience was unique.
(b) Sacks' experience was odd but worth writing about.
(c) Sacks was opening a new medical field.
(d) Luria did not understand Sacks' experience.

15. According to Head, when dealing with body alienation, what is of "fundamental importance" (Chapter Seven, pg 200)?
(a) An understanding of the factors involved in recovery.
(b) A detailed description of the medical circumstances.
(c) A thorough understanding of the emotions involved.
(d) A clear chronology.

Short Answer Questions

1. As Sacks returned to his room, what was the weather like?

2. As the Sister took the stitches out of Sacks's leg, what did he think?

3. What reason did Sacks give for hating any creature with health?

4. What was the name of the convalescent home where Sacks recovered?

5. Following the book fair, why did Sacks take the slow train from Boston to New York?

(see the answer keys)

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