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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. What explanation does the Arch Vicar have for his community's restricted mating patterns?

2. Who orders all the mothers to the "place of shame"?

3. Which, according to the script's narrator, is not one of the "fruits of the ape-mind"?

4. Who stands guard over Dr. Poole during the mating rituals to ensure he does not escape?

5. The Arch Vicar's church structure is named after which saint?

Short Essay Questions

1. What restrictions are placed on mating in the primitive community? What happens to those who dare to disobey?

2. According to the Arch Vicar, did Belial need the atomic bomb to assure the destruction of mankind?

3. What is the Arch Vicar's theory of history? What does this have to do with the "Order of Things"?

4. Describe the initial entrance of the Arch Vicar.

5. Does the Arch Vicar wish for Dr. Poole to join the church? Why or why not?

6. What is the Arch Vicar's stance on the reality of demonic possession?

7. What happens to young boys who show early signs of sexual aggression in the primitive community?

8. What difference does the narrator make between conscience and customs?

9. What effect has the Industrial Revolution had on humanity according to the Arch Vicar?

10. How is Loola finally swayed to run away with Dr. Poole?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the philosophical passages in Ape and Essence are devoted to the nature of evil. According to Dr. Poole, what is the nature of evil? What is the nature of evil to the Arch Vicar? In each man's view, what is man's relationship to Belial/evil? Can man improve his station or somehow overcome evil eventually?

Essay Topic 2

Explain why Huxley may have chosen to start Ape and Essence on the date of Gandhi's assassination. Explain Gandhi's historical significance. What kind of insight might an understanding of Gandhi's teaching have on some of the themes and messages of the book?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 872 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample