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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 do Nightmare and the other scorpions think has happened to the sky?

2. Who does she teach at the school?

3. Who does Kidd wish would leave the party?

4. Who does Kidd wish was at the party?

5. Why will there be hot coffee for everyone in Chapter V?

Short Essay Questions

1. As the book is drawing to a close, what does Kidd have trouble understanding?

2. Why does Kamp feel like it's finally time to leave Bellona?

3. Why do Edward and Kidd both decide to join the scorpions?

4. Why is it strange that Calkins does not come to the party?

5. Who starts many of the riots, and what do we learn about the scorpions because of this?

6. Why does Kidd begin to doubt his own writing?

7. What does everyone's willingness to participate in group sexual acts say about the people in Bellona?

8. Is Kidd jealous of Denny's time with Lanya?

9. Why is Kidd shocked that people want to know about his life?

10. Why is Edward probably frightened to leave Bellona?

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

1. Discuss whether you think that foreshadowing can be used in a novel with a circular structure.

2. If you agree, how is this helpful in possibly understanding Delany's work?

3. Find three examples of foreshadowing in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Tak is one of the only African American characters mentioned, outside of the black gangs.

Why do you think that none of Delany's main characters in the book are black?

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