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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 are gaps described as in this world's time, the "17 June 1905" dream?

2. Who is responsible for discovering the "speed effect?"

3. In the world described in the "3 June 1905" dream, how do people learn about the seasons?

4. In the "11 June 1905" dream, imagining the _____________ is no more possible than seeing colors beyond _______________.

5. What does Einstein ask Besso for during the third Interlude?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to the 3 June 1905 dream, describe how a person born in December exists.

2. In the 22 May 1905 dream, what happens for those who have seen a glimpse of their future?

3. Why does the man at the graveside refuse to weep for his deceased friend?

4. How did the notion of the speed effect come to be known?

5. Describe the life of a peach in the world where time travels in reverse.

6. Why do sunset and sunrise babies become frightened when the light changes?

7. What options do people have when it comes to reading their Book of Life?

8. What happens to the "withered woman" from the 2 June 1905 dream?

9. Describe the two different views people of the 15 June 1905 world can have.

10. Describe the life of a "Now."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Given that this novel is written by someone other than Einstein, do you believe that the author was working out a theory of his own and used Einstein as a muse? What would support your standing? Cite specific examples from the text to support your responses.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the formatting of the novel. Choose one of the following prompts discussing the formatting of the novel:

- Were you confused by the dates of the chapters and the meaning behind them?

- When did you realize the chapters were describing dreams and not realities for the novel?

- Why do you believe that readers are not given more information on Einstein himself about the movement of the novel?

- Do you think that this adds to the flow of the novel or hinders the flow of it?

- What relevance does Besso play in the novel?

- Why does the reader see more of his thoughts than Einstein's?

Cite specific examples from the text to support your responses.

Essay Topic 3

The end of the novel can be very confusing for some readers. Einstein is said to feel empty after giving his theory to the typist.

- For those readers that were confused by this, discuss why this statement is confusing. What makes you confused about the ending? What could have been done to help you understand the reasoning behind the ending?

- For those readers that were not confused by the ending, discuss the ending for you. Why did ending the novel this way bring closure for you? How did this ending make sense for you as a reader?

Cite specific examples from the text to support your responses.

(see the answer keys)

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