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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 the Messiah say to the greater being when he is sorry he has let it go this long?

2. The image of a sunset is a dream, but the ________ is real.

3. What kind of eyes does Richard think Shimoda has as he first sees him sitting underneath his plane?

4. Richard cannot picture Jesus returning to being a _____________.

5. Where does the Master, as referenced in the title, originally have a job when he is found to be a Messiah?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Donald W. Shimoda retire from being, according to the beginning of the story?

2. What does Richard see for the first time in years when he is flying over Ferris, Indiana?

3. What does Shimoda tell people they are in control of, though always in the parable format?

4. Describe the story the Messiah uses in order to answer the millworker's objection that the Master does not have to work.

5. Describe the character of Donald Shimoda.

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

7. What message from the book does Richard think does not apply to him?

8. What does Richard do in order to readjust to the loneliness of not having Shimoda around?

9. What does the book say about the idea of clouds and their impressions of the world?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although he used to be a Messiah, Shimoda seems to have troubles controlling his patience. This seems to be in conflict with what he can do for Richard.

Part 1: Describe one instance in which Shimoda becomes impatient with Richard.

Part 2: What might be the reason for Shimoda becoming so impatient with Richard?

Part 3: How does Shimoda's impatience help Richard's progress? How does it hurt Richard's progress?

Essay Topic 2

The title of this story seems to be referenced at a number of points, but it doesn't always get fully explained to the reader.

Part 1: Why do you think the title of the book, Illusions?

Part 2: What are some of the illusions pointed out in this story?

Part 3: What is the importance of learning that the world is filled with illusions?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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