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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. For how long have the primitives been raiding gravesites?

2. How much does Bob owe the government in back taxes?

3. How are the books incinerated in the Chief's book-burning ceremony?

4. Why was New Zealand spared from the destruction that ravaged the rest of the planet?

5. According to the narrator, truth without charity is not God but ___________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the first moment of commonality shared by Dr. Poole and Loola following the rite practiced by the Satanic Science Practitioner.

3. Describe the landing of the Canterbury and the crew's first sight of land.

4. List the allusions/references found in this section of the text.

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

6. What are the specifics of Bob Briggs' personal troubles at the outset of the novel?

7. Why is the Chief concerned about the present mating season?

8. How is Dr. Poole able to argue his way out of being buried alive?

9. Why are the gravediggers robbing graves?

10. List the allusions/references found in this section of the text.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Ape and Essence is structure with a narrative frame. Explain the nature of this narrative frame and what effect the "story-within-a-story" has on reader comprehension and interpretation of the events.

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This section contains 889 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample