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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. Who are the Runa?

2. What does Selikat try to beat out of Hlavin?

3. Who is assigned as Emilio's linguistic assistant?

4. What do the Runa decide to do to Supaari?

5. What does Emilio explain to Celestina?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Supaari go to see his mother and what is her response to that visit?

2. In what capacity is John assigned to the Rakhat mission and what does he tell Emilio about the crew?

3. How do Hlavin and Ambassador Ma finally come together?

4. What does Kanchay explain to Sofia about the original relationship of Runa and Jana'ata?

5. How did Emilio come to be on Giordano Bruno and what does Carlo tell him?

6. What does Gina do about Emilio canceling their Fridays together? What is Emilio's response?

7. What helps Sofia accept her fate on Rakhat?

8. How does Hlavin's brothers feel about his singing and what does Hlavin do to his family? What is the result of Hlavin's actions?

9. What does Sofia do with Magellan and what does she plan to do if it doesn't work out?

10. Who finds Sofia when Isaac is four and what does he say?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of CHILDREN OF GOD, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements (Subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Often titles reveal much about one or more aspects of a novel. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think is the purpose of a title? How closely related to a major theme(s) of a book do you think a title should be? Or should it be?

2. How is the phrase "Children of God" relevant to the action of the novel? What sort of emotional/psychological response does the title evoke? Why do you think Russel chose this title (if she does)? If you were perusing the library for a book to read and saw this title, would it pique your interest? Why or why not. Does it seem to be the best title for the book?

3. If you were the writer of Children of God and your editor says the title must be changed, what would you choose? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast Emilio to Sofia. How are they alike? How are they different? Do you think their differences are mainly due to their gender differences? Compare how each initially react to the sentient beings of the planet where they land.

2. Compare/contrast Sofia to Hllavin. How are they alike? How are they different? How do their "world views" differ? Who is the better leader/ruler? Under which one would you rather live?

3. Compare/contrast Supaari to Hlavin. How are they alike? How are they different? Who is more likeable? Approachable? Compassionate? Intellectual?

4. Compare/contrast Danny to Sean. How are they alike? How are they different? Are they more alike than they are different? Why or why not? Are either or both trustworthy? Are they likeable? How do they differ from other sentient beings introduced in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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