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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 a woman calls in, she points out some must __________, earning their bread by the sweat of their brow.

2. What does Richard continue to relive, hoping to change what has happened?

3. The book tells Richard that ___________ characters can be more real than flesh and blood.

4. Shimoda marvels at the way Richard never stops ____________ during their lessons and discussions.

5. Shimoda worries about Richard not liking ____________, but Richard admits he enjoys bouncing ideas around, if not being worshiped or depended on.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Richard ask Shimoda as they are eating at a cafe in Ryerson, Ohio?

2. How does Shimoda respond when the talk show host infers the idea that gypsy piloting is illegal?

3. Describe the vision that Shimoda walks back with after walking toward the shadow?

4. What does Shimoda declare about humans in general? What are they capable of?

5. What is the concise answer Richard gives to Shimoda's question from #45?

6. What does Shimoda announce is the reason for Richard being here?

7. When the woman caller demands to know how Shimoda can say the things he does, what does he respond?

8. Why did Shimoda add the gore of a shotgun death?

9. What does Shimoda answer when Richard declares being a Master to be frustrating as hell?

10. What does Shimoda tell Richard to do in order to help Richard get straight answers from him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

The theme of 'like attracting like' is another idea that continues to emerge and to develop as the story unfolds.

Part 1: Explain the idea of 'like attracts like.'

Part 2: What is the first example of like attracting like in this story?

Part 3: Cite at least two other ways in which 'like attracts like' in this story.

(see the answer keys)

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