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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. What does Andrews respond when asked to come take Badri's place?

2. Why does Kirvin want Gawyn to return as soon as possible?

3. What does Kirvin think the church must have felt now from her perspective in this time?

4. Who does Sir Bloet bring with him?

5. Why do the bells stop tolling?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scene where Kivrin goes to mass with the family and her talk with Gawyn on the way home.

2. What does Kivrin note about the Bishop's envoy?

3. What is the situation with the steward and digging graves?

4. What do Mary and Dunworthy realize when Montoya is brought into the hospital and how does Dunworthy react?

5. Why does Father Roche return to where the clerk lies and what does Kirvin ask of him?

6. What does Kivrin first do upon realizing the date and what is wrong with the clerk?

7. What does Dunworthy learn about various flu victims after he regains consciousness?

8. What happens as Kivrin prepares to travel to Scotland with Fr. Roche and Rosemund?

9. What does Kivrin write about the church bells and cemetery?

10. What about the virus situation in modern times concerns Dunworthy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of a book such as Doomsday Book place themselves in the position of someone like Kivrin, wondering about what their response would be in a similar situation. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as the Doomsday Book help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Doomsday Book? Why or why not?

3. Choose one specific incident to discuss and compare Kivrin's response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

There are some interesting parallels between the action in 2054 and that going on with Kivrin in 1348. Two most obvious that come to mind are they are both suffering an epidemic and bell ringers figure prominently in both times. Discuss the following:

1. Trace, compare and analyze throughout Doomsday Book the similarities between what is happening in 2054 and 1348.

2. Why do you think Willis sets up this mirror-like plot?

3. Do you think it is an effective literary strategy? Why or why not?

4. What similar themes are evident in each time frame?

Essay Topic 3

In chapter twenty, three men arrive at the manor where Kivrin is staying. In the excerpt from the Doomesday Book, Kivrin notes they are an envoy from the bishop, that they drink readily, and that one had grabbed at Maisry, slipping his hand down the bodice of her gown. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the priest in the Bishop's envoy to Fr. Roche. Who seems genuinely spiritual, compassionate, or living his beliefs?

2. Much has been written about the corruption of the Catholic church over the centuries. Can any large institution, including a religious institution remain totally without corruption? Why or why not?

3. What surprises Kivrin about Fr. Roche? Do her impressions continue throughout the time she is in the past? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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