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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. While walking to Lanya's school, who do they see?

2. What happens to the poems Kidd writes while he lives with the scorpions?

3. Who does Kidd wish would leave the party?

4. What does Kidd wonder as they arrive at Calkins' house?

5. What does Captain Kamp, a former member of the space program, think he saw in the sky?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. All of the residents are wondering what is happening in the sky. How do they work to find a solution?

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

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

5. Who makes sure that Kidd's poems are saved amongst the chaos of the scorpions?

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

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

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

9. Why are the scorpions moving again?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the orchids that everyone in Bellona wears.

Why are orchids made into weapons throughout the novel?

How does the beauty of the flower contrast with the violence of making the flower a weapon?

Essay Topic 2

Although Kidd is the main character, it seems as though he never advances as a character. The reader goes on a journey with him, but is never really sure whether or not Kidd grows.

1. Why is self awareness and character expansion an important part of a novel?

2. Do you think that Delany purposefully halted the growth of Kidd?

3. How does stopping Kidd's character development match up with the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Although Kidd seems to be fearless of people in Bellona, he fears himself and his mind.

1. Describe and discuss why this fear could be more damaging than a fear of physical danger.

2. Why does Kidd break down towards the end of the book? Is it because of the fear he has felt concerning his mind and himself.

(see the answer keys)

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