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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. When the creature wants to let go of the river, others tell him that he will be killed faster by letting go than by __________.

2. What does Shimoda say he wants Richard to witness as they are in an isolated field on the Illinois-Indiana state line?

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

4. ___________ cares noting about human illusions and games and knows only itself and humans in its perfect, finished likeness.

5. What is the longer title for the book that Shimoda gives to Richard when he asks about how to train to become a Master? Messiah's Manual & Reminders for the _____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why hasn't returning to normal life been easy for Shimoda?

2. What is the non-miracle that Shimoda wants Richard to see?

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

4. What does Richard have to say about life when eating dinner with Shimoda in Hammond, Wisconsin?

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

6. What do gypsy fliers need in order to fly their planes and to land them in the fields?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

This book is a journey for the reader as much as it is a journey for Richard. But Richard's journey seems to take a few turns here and there.

Part 1: What is the point at which Richard seems to accept his spiritual journey?

Part 2: At which points does Richard seem to disbelieve the idea he can become a Master?

Part 3: Does Richard seem to be a good candidate to be a Master? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Shimoda's quitting his role as the Mechanic Messiah or the American Avatar is one that continues to show readers a new side of being all knowing and all powerful.

Part 1: Why has Shimoda decided to come back to everyday life as a pilot after being the Master?

Part 2: What are some of the problems with coming back to everyday life after having been a Messiah?

Part 3: What is Shimoda's opinion of Jesus and his role as a Messiah? What does he think about the idea of Jesus quitting his job?

(see the answer keys)

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