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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 is Franz Vanderhelst?

2. Of what does Giuliani speak to Sandoz?

3. What does Behr advise Vincenzo Giuliani?

4. Who believes that returning to Rakhat will be good for Sandoz?

5. Who returns all the rich gifts Hlavin sends?

Short Essay Questions

1. What helps Sofia accept her fate on Rakhat?

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

3. What does Sofia do at first when she is stuck on Rakhat, how does that activity change and what happens with Emilio that she doesn't know?

4. What does Emilio explain to Celetina and what does he name his new pet?

5. What does Sofia do when she locates the Magellan's lander and how do the Runa plan to aid her?

6. What does Edward Behr remind Emilio of and what does he tell Vincenzo in the prelude?

7. How is Emilio studying radio data from Rakhat and what is he doing with his own life?

8. What changes Emilio's financial fortunes and how does he find out about it?

9. 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?

10. What does Vincenzo tell Danny about Emilio and the next Rakhat mission, why is Emilio proving valuable and what does Vincenzo think a trip to Rakhat will do for Emilio?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in CHILDREN OF GOD.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of CHILDREN OF GOD. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of CHILDREN OF GOD. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

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

Theodicy, which is the belief that God is good and omnipotent in spite of there being evil or suffering is an important theme in CHILDREN OF GOD as is the concept of redemptive suffering. Vincenzo's faith has been greatly undermined and he needs to find meaning in Emilio's sufferings. before Sean insists on knowing why Emilio blames God rather than Satan for his misfortunes and demands that he, like Jesus, embrace suffering to find meaning.

1. Discuss reasons why some people might deny the existence of God because of the evil they see. Use examples from Children of God to illustrate your reasons.

2. What do you think is meant by redemptive suffering? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

3. How might someone like Sean believe a person could find a meaning for life in suffering? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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