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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 Fletcher do when he hears the strange voice in his head?

2. What does the Elder Gull tell Jonathan to keep working on right before the Elder Gull vanishes?

3. What is Jonathan's instructor's name?

4. What does Jonathan feel he was born to do?

5. "The gull sees farthest who flies ___________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe what happens when Chiang passes to the other world, or transfigures, as many might call it.

2. What does Jonathan want to do once his Guru has vanished and left his side?

3. What is the one thing Chiang thinks Jonathan needs to work on as he continues to develop his flying and his abilities?

4. What are people saying about the Elder Gull, Chiang, as he is introduced in the story?

5. What does Chiang tell Jonathan to forget about as he attempts to learn how to transport himself?

6. When does Jonathan make the first sound since leaving Earth?

7. How many lives do most gulls need in order to come to the basic realization that there is more to life?

8. How does Chiang demonstrate touching heaven, which dazzles Jonathan and makes him want to learn more from this guru?

9. What does Jonathan believe Heaven should do in terms of limits?

10. What does Jonathan remember to use his wings for, only on occasion, however?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The existence of an afterlife is something that becomes a crucial part of the knowledge and the development of some of the Gulls in this book. But the definition of this afterlife is a little harder to grasp.

Part 1: How does the knowledge of the afterlife affect Johnathan?

Part 2: What does Jonathan learn about the idea of the afterlife? How is it described to him?

Part 3: Why does Jonathan simply accept the idea of an afterlife as it is given to him?

Essay Topic 2

Jonathan yearns to teach the others what he has learned from Sullivan and Chiang. He wants to spread the word about his discoveries and how other Gulls can learn to live their lives.

Part 1: Why does Jonathan believe is a born teacher?

Part 2: What qualities does Jonathan have that will make him a good teacher to those other Gulls?

Part 3: Why can't Jonathan be content teaching the Gulls in heaven where he resides?

Essay Topic 3

When Chiang vanishes, it seems to be a surprise to the reader and to the Gulls in the story. This apparent transfiguration seems to also be symbolic of Chiang's place in his learning.

Part 1: Describe the scene in which Chiang vanishes from view.

Part 2: What is thought to have happened that caused Chiang to vanish?

Part 3: Do you think this vanishing was meant to be taken literally or metaphorically? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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