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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. Who refuses last rites from Roche?

2. What does Dunworthy realize is as Badri is talking?

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

4. What does Dunworthy do after seeing the state of the lab?

5. What does Dunworthy have the bell ringers do as they practice in his office?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Kivrin say about the rest of the family?

4. What happens to the envoy and what does Kirvin realize as a result?

5. Who is the next victim to fall ill and how does Kirvin discover it?

6. What does Kivrin talk about with Rosemund and what is her response?

7. Describe Mary Ahrens.

8. Describe the situation of Agnes dying.

9. Describe the discussion between Badri and Dunworthy about Kirvin's time travel.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book is more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character-driven or action-driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character-driven versus action-driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not?

5. What type of plot do you think the Doomsday Book is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

Often titles reveal much about one or more aspects of a novel. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think is the purpose of a title? How closely related to a major theme(s) of a book do you think a title should be? Or should it be?

2. How is the phrase "Doomsday Book" relevant to the action of the novel? What sort of emotional/psychological response does the title evoke? Why do you think Willis chose this title (if she does)? If you were perusing the library for a book to read and saw this title, would it pique your interest? Why or why not. Does it seem to be the best title for the book?

3. If you were the writer of The Doomsday Book and your editor says the title must be changed, what would you choose? Why?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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