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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 Gilchrist say to Dunworthy?

2. What does Mary realize when Montoya is brought in to the hospital with the virus?

3. What does Agnes keep asking?

4. How long will it take to create a vaccine for the new strain of virus?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Describe Mary Ahrens.

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

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 is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Doomsday Book, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements. Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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