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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. At the same time, Richard is ________ what will happen when Shimoda and the healed man land again.

2. What do gypsy fliers need in addition to a long, smooth, close-cut field near a town?

3. Shimoda tells Richard, "Nothing good is a miracle, and nothing lovely is a _________."

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

5. What is the reason Richard gives for going to the movie? He wants to see _________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What must people do in order to enjoy life and to experience the illusion of time and space?

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

6. What does Richard dream about before he is awakened at 3:00 A.M., happy about the dream?

7. What is the passage Shimoda shares with Richard after the situation that occurs in #19?

8. What does Richard do in order to stop himself from thinking?

9. What does Shimoda assure Richard about the training to be a Messiah?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of a Messiah being able to quit is a unique idea in the eyes of most readers.

Part 1: How is the term Messiah defined in this story?

Part 2: Why does Shimoda want to quit his position as a Messiah?

Part 3: How does Shimoda end up quitting his role as the Master or Messiah?

Essay Topic 2

The references to Christianity are many in this book. They allow the reader to see the similarities in the stories, as well as some obvious differences.

Part 1: Cite at least two scenes that might be comparable to Biblical stories.

Part 2: Might Shimoda be the person some call Jesus? Why or why not?

Part 3: What does this book seem to be saying about the idea of religion?

Essay Topic 3

Shimoda seems to make things look too easy, frustrating Richard a number of times during the story.

Part 1: What are some of the things Shimoda does that appear to be too easy?

Part 2: How does Richard react to the times when Shimoda does things so effortlessly?

Part 3: What does it say about the idea of a Messiah that they can do things easily? Is it just because they're better people or is there another reason?

(see the answer keys)

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