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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. How long does it take Emilio to withdraw from Quell?

2. Who is going to go back to Earth with Emilio?

3. Who is Puska?

4. To whose deaths does Suukmel look forward?

5. What happens that causes Emilio to weep, laugh and joke?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is driving Isaac crazy in the Runa camp and what does he do about it?

2. What does Laaks tell Emilio about Ha'anala and what is Emilio's response?

3. What does Sofia assume about Issac and what does she say to Emilio? How does she feel about her actions and the Jana'ata?

4. What does Suukmel recall about God and the three different species on Rakhat that Ha'anala told her?

5. What does Emilio do as Ha'anala dies and after she dies?

6. How does Sofia begin to teach Issac and what does she realize about him?

7. Why do the priests wake Emilio and what are the results of what they know?

8. What angers Puska about Hlavin and what does she know about Ha'anala's fate?

9. Describe the fight between Supaari and Hlavin.

10. What kind of solution does Danny come up with for the Jana'ata problem?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of manipulation and power in CHILDREN OF GOD. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with manipulation and power? Why? What are some symbols of manipulation and power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of genocide in CHILDREN OF GOD. Which characters seem to accept that genocide is sometimes necessary? Why? Which characters seem opposed to genocide no matter what? Why? Which ones seem not to care one way or the other?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death. Death happens on a scale that is almost incomprehensible with thousands of sentient beings being wiped out of existence. Does this inure a reader to the impact of death? When death is brought to a more individual level, such as in Rakhat, does it have a greater impact? How do the Jana'ata civilization seem to view death? What about the Runa?

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. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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