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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. When Bob Briggs speaks about his personal history, how does the narrator react?

2. What is Rosie's career aspiration?

3. Where did William Tallis prefer to be buried?

4. Which is NOT part of the ceremony held to safeguard against having deformed babies?

5. On which deity do the primitives blame their problems?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Dr. Poole described? What does Dr. Schneeglock think of him?

2. What point does the script narrator make about baboons and knowledge?

3. What about Dr. Poole's presence is surprising to Chief?

4. What is the importance of where Tallis preferred to be buried?

5. What background information is the narrator able to learn about William Tallis?

6. Why was Gandhi killed according to the narrator?

7. Set the scene for the opening of the novel. What is happening? When?

8. How does Bob Briggs help Rosie?

9. How do Chief and Dr. Poole clash over books at Pershing Square?

10. What are the Purification Ceremonies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Allusions are a frequent presence in Ape and Essence. Choose four literary allusions and explain their significance and meaning.

Essay Topic 2

Ape and Essence presents a dystopic view of the future. What is a dystopia? What are the features of such a place? What specific aspects of Ape and Essence are dystopic? Why might an author depict such a dystopia?

Essay Topic 3

The poetry of Percy Shelley is a crucial element in the novel. Examine the passages of Shelley's poetry engraved on William Tallis' gravestone. What does this poetry mean? Why was it chosen for the tombstone? What overall message should the reader take away from this poetry?

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