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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. When Kirvin had read the document about the last rites when she was in her own time, what did she think at that time about the document?

2. How is Agnes faring?

3. Who have been brought in with virus symptoms?

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

5. What does Kivrin do as she looks at the sick clerk?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Andrew say when Dunworthy asks him to come work the lab machines? What does it not matter?

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

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

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

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

8. What note does the young boy bring from the bishop and why does Kirvin already know its contents?

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of manipulation and power in Doomsday Book. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with manipulation and power? Why? What are some symbols of manipulation and power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of hypocrisy in Doomsday Book. Which characters seem hypocritical? Why? Which characters seem sincere? Why? Which ones seem not to care about looking good to others? What is the difference between how the two types live?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death. Compare/contrast how the people of 1348 view death to the views of those in 2054. Which is most like your own view of death? Who seems afraid of dying? Not afraid? Who meets death gracefully? In resignation? With joy? With fear?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Doomsday Book based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Doomsday Book is a successful novel. Explain your rationale with specific examples.

3. Do you think the fact that Doomsday Book falls within the science fiction genre changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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