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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. The narrator's mother could do all of the following dance forms except which one?

2. Where do Panama hats come from?

3. What single word adequately describes Charles Darwin's transformation of the Galapagos Islands from worthless to priceless?

4. How many cruise ships have their port in Guayaquil?

5. When is the Bahia scheduled to sail?

Short Essay Questions

1. When does Adolf von Kleist tell Mary Hepburn that he might be a carrier of Huntington's chorea?

2. Why does Mary Hepburn believe she had a brain tumor in Chapter 7?

3. What two promises does Roy Hepburn ask his wife to keep on his deathbed?

4. Who stated, "The dry and parched surface, being heated by the noon-day sun, gave to the air a close and sultry feeling, like that from a stove: we fancied even that the bushes smelt unpleasantly?" What is this statement in reference to?

5. In Chapter 3, how is Charles Darwin described?

6. Who is Akiko, and what is unique about her? Where is she born?

7. In a desperate attempt to keep his passengers from canceling their cruise on the Bahia, what does Bobby King do?

8. What had Hernando Cruz planned to do to the Bahia if the trip was canceled?

9. Who discovered the Galapagos Islands in 1535 A.D.?

10. What mystery in 1986 A.D. is discussed in Chapter 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Technology and robots are widely seen and used throughout the novel. In what ways has technology effected the characters in the novel? What dangers are there for a society which greatly depends on technology?

Essay Topic 2

In Book 2: Chapter 7, Leon Trout must face the decision whether to go into the afterlife or stay for a million years to watch humanity evolve. He cannot let go of the unfolding story of humankind, at least not for another million years. Why do you think Leon is given a million years to stay on earth? Do you think there is a limit to the amount of knowledge the Father wants Leon to have? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Identity and self-image are extremely deceiving as many characters in the novel are not whom they claim to be. Why do you think so many characters in the novel claim to be somebody else completely? What does this tell you about importance and emphasis on image and one's identity?

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