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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. For how many years has the man in the wheelchair been in his current state?

2. What does Shimoda say he can always do if Richard offers to pay him for advice or to help him with his engine troubles?

3. Richard tells Shimoda he will give him his plane because Richard believes one day he will not need it in order to _______.

4. Over what city in Indiana is Richard flying when Chapter 2 begins?

5. What kind of biplane does Richard own and use in his gypsy flying business?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Shimoda tosses Richard a wrench as they are working on the engine?

2. Why do Shimoda's bosses ask him to leave the auto repair shop where he initially works?

3. What does Shimoda say when Richard asks him why no one likes his pan-bread?

4. Why is Shimoda suddenly furious with Richard about his question about the landing?

5. What does Shimoda claim to Richard when they first meet?

6. Describe the character of Donald Shimoda.

7. What does Richard answer when Shimoda asks him why he is at the movie?

8. Why does Richard find it difficult to look at Shimoda too closely?

9. What does Shimoda give to Richard when Richard asks how Shimoda can know so much and how he can learn about being a Messiah?

10. What passage can Shimoda not recall as Richard is flipping through the section on Perspective?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of flying is symbolic in a number of ways in this story. The planes which fly are gypsy planes, unchecked and possibly illegal.

Part 1: Describe the idea of gypsy flying. What does it entail?

Part 2: How does the idea of flying relate to the idea of being a Messiah?

Part 3: What does flying symbolize to Richard during the story?

Essay Topic 2

The two main characters in this story - Richard and Shimoda - are the central focus of the story, even though this is a story about the idea of illusions.

Part 1: Describe the character of Richard at the start of the story.

Part 2: Describe the character of Shimoda.

Part 3: How do each of the characters change during the course of the story?

Essay Topic 3

The book Shimoda gives to Richard reveals as many questions as the answers it provides to a person who reads it.

Part 1: What might this Savior's Manual be akin to in real life? What books in real life might provide the same counsel?

Part 2: Why might Richard need to be given a book to learn from, rather than being taught what he needs to know?

Part 3: Why doesn't the book give direct answers to those who read it?

(see the answer keys)

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