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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. At the end of the book, Richard has a phone conversation with Reg during which he learns that:

2. When Dirk listens to the answering machine tape found in Richard's apartment, he realizes that:

3. The ancient alien ghost explains that he and his party landed on Earth for what?

4. Why do Reg, Richard, and Dirk travel across time to a rain forest in Mauritius in 1676?

5. Reg explains to Richard, Dirk, and the alien ghost that the dodo would not have become extinct had he not done what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how the book's opening scene is repeated near the end of the book, but with a twist.

2. What reason does Reg give for resisting the temptation to use his time machine?

3. Explain how Dirk and Richard feel about ghosts.

4. Why does Dirk purchase an easy to use phone with large red push-buttons for his detective agency?

5. How do Chapters 18 - 20 hint at characters being possessed by ghosts?

6. How is the alien ghost responsible for life on Earth?

7. How does the alien ghost communicate with Dirk, Richard, and Reg?

8. How does Dirk use the time machine to stop Michael from following the ghost's orders on primordial Earth?

9. What does Michael reveal to drunken train travelers when he is possessed by an ancient alien ghost?

10. At the end of the book, how does Richard finally do right by Susan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Dirk Gently's interactions and conversations with his clients. Why are they angry with him? How does he justify his charges? Is he a good detective, or is he taking advantage of people? Support your answers with passages from the book.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the prominent ghosts in this story, namely, Gordon Way's ghost and the ancient alien ghost. What frustrations do they share? What is each ghost's primary goal or mission? How do their intents differ? What vital role does each ghost play in the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss how the following characters provide welcome comic relief at various points in the story:

1. The Electric Monk.

2. Richard the successful programmer.

3. Professor Urban Chronotis.

(see the answer keys)

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