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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. Does Kidd seem to sincerely care about Lanya?

2. Prior to now, what did Kidd consider Lanya to be?

3. On the way to the party, who does Kidd stop to pick up?

4. Does anyone do anything about the vandalism?

5. What did Lanya's school used to be?

Short Essay Questions

1. Does Kidd realize what he is writing?

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

3. Why does Lanya get fed up with Kidd and choose to leave?

4. What problem doesn't affect Calkins' house and why is this strange?

5. Although Kidd and Lanya seem to have known each other for a while, what side of her did he never see ?

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

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

8. Suddenly, what does Kidd have trouble remembering?

9. How does Kidd finally feel when he attempts to write a new poem?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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).

Essay Topic 2

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 3

1. Symbolism is heavily used throughout the novel. Pick three different symbols and analyze them.

2. Next, describe and discuss how Kidd comes into contact with these symbols in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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