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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. Shimoda says that Richard has failed to realize he is already _________ and has always been.

2. The truth is that having what you want is not a matter of faith, but a matter of __________.

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

4. Shimoda says that all humans are __________, naturally able to have what they want.

5. Richard begins to believe that Shimoda does not __________ this world

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When does Shimoda confess to feeling lonely in his life?

3. What is the question Richard then formulates when he begins to do the thing which is the answer to #33?

4. What is Richard doing when he overhears his boyhood favorite song, Greensleeves?

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

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

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

8. What does the woman caller say about the idea of "doing what you want?"

9. What does Richard conclude about Shimoda and his relationship to the world?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shimoda seems to work miracles during the story, even though they might not appear to be miracles to anyone but the ones to which they happen.

Part 1: Describe what happens with the old man and the 10-year-girl when they encounter Shimoda.

Part 2: Describe what happens with the man in the wheelchair when he encounters Shimoda.

Part 3: Why doesn't anyone notice these miracles as being miracles?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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