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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 isn't Tak going to the party tonight?

2. Why does Frank want to join the scorpions?

3. Why does Denny have to describe the new place in which he, Kidd and all the scorpions are living to Kidd?

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

5. Why did Edward join the scorpions?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Madame Brown think will help Kidd with his memory and psychological problems?

3. Why is Edward probably frightened to leave Bellona?

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

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

6. Why are the scorpions moving again?

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

8. Suddenly, what does Kidd have trouble remembering?

9. What is important in the scorpions dialogue?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Delany's Dhalgren is thought to be one of the best Science Fiction books of the 1970s and 1980s. Consider what thematic elements classify this book as Science Fiction.

1. How does this book differ from others in the Science Fiction genre?

2. What classifies a book as Science Fiction? How does this book seem to fall short of some of these criteria?

Essay Topic 3

How are the scorpions a family in their own right?

Although they may be a difficult bunch with whom to get along, how do they create a family in a world that is unstable?

Why do some of the residents need this in Bellona?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 605 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample