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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 is the paper on that Einstein set on Besso's desk (as told in the second Interlude)?

2. What does the narrator want readers to imagine in the "3 June 1905" dream?

3. Where are Besso and Einstein sitting in the second Interlude?

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

5. In the "17 June 1905" dream, why does the young man tell his lover that he cannot see her again?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrator describe a world without a future?

2. Describe what happens between the baker and the woman in the 17 June 1905 dream.

3. For the world described in the 29 May 1905 dream, why are the inhabitants constantly in motion?

4. What is the young woman at no. 27 Viktoriastrasse doing right before she thrusts herself into the future?

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

6. Why have some inhabitants of the 29 May 1905 world become frustrated and despondent?

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

8. Describe the life of a "Now."

9. Describe the way that time is experienced in the 5 June 1905 dream.

10. How does the narrator describe time in the 17 June 1905 dream?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Einstein's health is a major concern for Besso. Why do you believe that Besso is concerned about Einstein's health? Are there any specific examples given in the Interludes that would make one think that there was reason for Besso's concern? Cite specific examples from the text to support your responses.

Essay Topic 2

Regard the novel as a whole. What did you find meaningful or meaningless? What gave you the most to think about and why? Did any part of the novel cause you to look at life and time and redefine the actions of your own life? What parts of the novel caused this re-defining of your own life? Why? Cite specific examples from the text to support your responses.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the Great Clock. What problems are associated with placing all trust in a manmade object? What are the benefits associated with placing all trust in a synthetic object? Would you choose to place you life in the motion of the clock or not? Why? Cite specific examples from the text to support your responses.

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