View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Shevek think is holding him back from publishing his General Temporal Theory?

2. What did seeing Tirin make Shevek realize?

3. Why does Shevek want to give his theory to the Terrans?

4. Where does Takver work?

5. What does Keng say she will help Shevek in exchange for his theory?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are Shevak's goals in this book? How does he achieve them? What mistakes does he make? How does he learn from his mistakes?

Essay Topic 2

Shevek writes two papers in the novel.

1) Principles of Simultanely

2) General Temporal Theory

Describe each paper and discuss how Shevek's ideas have matured through the novel.

Essay Topic 3

The wall is an important metaphor in the story and means different things at different points.

1) What does the wall that surrounds the Port of Anarres symbolize?

2) What is the significance of the prison walls that surround Kadagv?

3) What is the link between the wall and Shevek's parents?

4) What do you think the overall meaning of the wall is?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 268 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample