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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where do the narrator and Bob Briggs meet at the outset of the novel?
(a) The Hollywood Cemetery.
(b) The Studio Commissary.
(c) Murcia, California.
(d) The Cottonwood Ranch.

2. The primitives' religious leader presses a young woman about what matter, eventually beating her?
(a) The Beauty of Nature.
(b) The Suffering of Mankind.
(c) The Nature of Woman.
(d) The Power of Belial.

3. What group of artists does Bob Briggs compare himself to in "Tallis"?
(a) The Impressionist Painters.
(b) The Baroque Composers.
(c) The Romantic Poets.
(d) The Surrealist Writers.

4. By the time Cottonwood Ranch is visited, how long had William Tallis been dead?
(a) Four years.
(b) Two days.
(c) Eighteen months.
(d) Six weeks.

5. Why was New Zealand spared from the destruction that ravaged the rest of the planet?
(a) Its leaders engaged in clever diplomacy.
(b) It was not deemed to be of any important military value.
(c) Because of raging sea storms, it was not accessible to aggressors.
(d) It built great bunkers that protected its people.

6. Which gravedigger apologizes to Dr. Poole by claiming that burying Dr. Poole was done only for fun?
(a) Flossie.
(b) Loola.
(c) Shelley.
(d) Chief.

7. What kind of primate represents the "least among man," according to the narrator?
(a) The cheeky monkey.
(b) The gorilla.
(c) The baboon.
(d) The chimpanzee.

8. Why is Chief concerned that no women produced healthy babies this season?
(a) This represents a dearth of much-needed manpower.
(b) This shows that Belial is displeased with them.
(c) They will have no babies to sacrifice to the Devil.
(d) The radioactivity has likely reached lethal levels.

9. What is Rosie's career aspiration?
(a) Painter.
(b) Writer.
(c) Producer.
(d) Singer and actress.

10. Which of the following is true about the scientists' rediscovery of the world?
(a) The world is still highly radioactive, and the scientists must wear suits.
(b) Oil derricks can still be seen in the water outside of shore.
(c) They crash-land because of a dense fog.
(d) They use sonar technology to find land.

11. Who kidnaps Dr. Poole?
(a) Miss Ethel Hook.
(b) Three men.
(c) Three baboons.
(d) The Chief.

12. What is the name of Bob Briggs' wife?
(a) Miss Ethel Hook.
(b) Katie.
(c) Elaine.
(d) Miriam.

13. Near which major city do the scientists finally land?
(a) San Francisco.
(b) Belgrade.
(c) Tokyo.
(d) Los Angeles.

14. How does the narrator characterize the scientists from New Zealand?
(a) They are nothing special, and are quiet and humane.
(b) They are extraordinarily physically fit, which will serve them well in their travels.
(c) They are petty and jealous, and given to fighting.
(d) They were hand-selected as the most intelligent of mankind.

15. When Bob Briggs speaks about his personal history, how does the narrator react?
(a) The narrator is disgusted and leaves the room.
(b) The narrator is intrigued.
(c) The narrator is infuriated and punches Briggs.
(d) The narrator is bored.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why was a gravedigger subjected to a punishment of twenty-five lashes?

2. What became of William Tallis' immediate family?

3. What is Loola's nickname for Dr. Poole?

4. Why did William Tallis write "Ape and Essence"?

5. On what date do the explorer-scientists set out from New Zealand?

(see the answer keys)

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