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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 is Tak's profession?

2. What kind of people are the people of Bellona?

3. What is interesting about the object that Kidd is given?

4. Why does Lanya say that she has stopped painting?

5. Why is Mrs. Richards afraid to leave her apartment, let alone Bellona?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is odd about the people who stay in Bellona after the event?

2. When Kidd first starts writing his poems, what does he think will happen?

3. Why do the scorpions begin to trust Kidd?

4. Why does Kidd expect to be given answers concerning his identity from the woman in the cave?

5. What event does Kidd hope changes Mrs Richards and forces her to see reality?

6. What is odd about June Richards?

7. What does Mr. Richards do everyday he "goes to work."

8. When the woman asks Kidd if he wants to change the world, what is Kidd's answer?

9. Why is Frank's introduction important in this part of the novel?

10. Why is Kidd angry with the Richards and why does he end his work relationship with them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although it may seem as though it is not a theme, many characters are subjected to fear. Examine the following characters and analyze how they deal with their emotional, physical, and psychological fear throughout the book:

- Kidd

- Mrs. Richards

- June

- Tak

Essay Topic 2

The theme of survival courses through the entire novel. Characters feel as though they are being forced to stay in Bellona and must push themselves to survive here.

1. Why do the characters feel forced to stay? Is it because of money, family, or welfare?

2. How is this similar to what people who live in assisted living or are on welfare feel? Why are they trapped into their current situations? Is it completely their fault?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the girl from the woods.

What does the girl from the woods and the beginning of the story symbolize to Kidd?

Furthermore, what does this symbolize as a story arc for several of Delany's books? (Extra Credit question).

(see the answer keys)

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