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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. Why does Mrs. Richards ask Kidd to stay with her until Mr. Richards comes home?

2. Who is Ernest Newboy?

3. What is the name of the Bellona newspaper?

4. Where does the bus let Kidd off?

5. Does Kidd think he has any reason for getting on the bus that pulls up near the bar?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. By whom is Kidd beaten up and why does this happen?

3. What does Lanya believe in?

4. What surprises Kidd about the sample book copy?

5. Who does Kidd meet in the first chapter of the book?

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

7. How do the scorpions tempt Kidd?

8. In Chapter II, what else does Kidd realize about his past?

9. When Kidd tries to discuss the riots with people at the bar, he realizes what?

10. Why is Layna surprised that Kidd got a job?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how Delany successfully or unsuccessfully uses the circular structure of the novel to build a climax to his tale?

If you think he is successful, provide some examples of how he is successful.

If you do not think he is successful, describe ways he could have reached a climax using this structure.

Essay Topic 2

Compare Kidd to Denny. How are these two characters alike and different?

Why would Lanya possibly choose Denny over Kidd?

Does it have something to do with Kidd only seeing Lanya as an object or piece of property?

Essay Topic 3

As a science fiction writer, symbolism is extremely important to Delany.

What does the supernova symbolize?

Analyze the symbol and discuss its role in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 616 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample