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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 king is identified on all the bricks in Babylon?

2. For what does Hausner first risk leaving the Concorde's position on the hill?

3. What does Ahmed Rish say will be his first act upon landing?

4. How does Nuri Salameh keep his supervisor from questioning his presence in the tail of the aircraft after his shift?

5. What is the second miracle Ahmed Rish says Jews experienced in Babylon?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ummah and why is it important?

2. Why is Teddy Laskov unsure of his standing with Miriam Bernstein?

3. What reputation do the Jews have regarding terrorism and how is it affecting the present situation?

4. Why does Jacob Hausner get little respect from Benjamin Dobkin?

5. How many civilizations overran Iraq in ancient history, and which did the worst destruction?

6. What old guerrilla trick have the Palestinians learned from the Viet Cong?

7. Why does Abdel Majid Jabari tell Ibrahim Ali Arif that he is a very self-centered man?

8. Why is Dr. George Habash's quotation frightening?

9. What change comes over David Becker as he pilots the endangered aircraft?

10. As Benjamin Dobkin watches the attackers advance, he thinks that he would give them a low grade on tactics. What do they do wrong?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The quotation of scriptural prophecies create the impression that DeMille wants readers to see the characters in this story as part of Biblical prophecy. In your essay, analyze whether these characters see themselves as part of a long history or as isolated participants in a single event, alone and unsupported in the larger world. Use quotations from the story to substantiate your opinion.

Essay Topic 2

Dramatic irony takes place when the reader knows vital information that the characters do not. There is one place in this story where dramatic irony is in full effect. In your essay, discuss that situation and the effect that it has upon the suspense of a reader.

Essay Topic 3

Certain characters in this story have elected to make a separate peace. Miriam Bernstein is initially committed to the idea of peace at any price. Abdel Majid Jabari and Ibrahim Arif have decided to become part of Israel, renouncing their Palestinian roots but still wearing the identifying kheffiyah. Dr. Al-Thanni continues working on his museum inventory in the midst of open warfare. In your essay, comment on the success of these efforts. Is it possible to live amid a conflict and not take sides? Why or why not?

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