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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 Jonathan want Fletcher to begin with as he takes him as a student?

2. Jonathan tells Fletcher not to be harsh towards gulls that only ________ themselves.

3. How far are the gulls on Earth from Heaven?

4. What is the only thing the Elder Gull still thinks Jonathan needs to work on?

5. One must know that one has _______ everywhere at once across space and time, according to the Elder Gull.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What does Sullivan declare about Jonathan in relation to his approach to learning?

7. What does Jonathan's teacher say when Johnathan asks why there are so few gulls in their location?

8. Where does Jonathan believe he is in this section of the book?

9. What is the saying Jonathan remembers about Heaven in relation to fatigue?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The role of the instructor in this story is one that begins with Sullivan. As one of Johnathan's first teachers, it is clear that in order to gain the knowledge he needs, Johnathan will need guidance.

Part 1: What kind of teacher is Sullivan to Jonathan?

Part 2: What facts does Sullivan reveal about being a Gull and being in heaven?

Part 3: Would you say the relationship between Sullivan and Jonathan is positive or negative? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

The cycle of the story continues with Jonathan coming to Fletcher as his new guru. The story continues with Jonathan wanting to impart his knowledge to the next generation of Gulls.

Part 1: How does Jonathan contact Fletcher and become his new teacher?

Part 2: What is Fletcher's response to this occurrence?

Part 3: Why does Fletcher seem to need Jonathan's guidance? Or does he? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

The meaning of life seems to be the overall theme of this book, with the introduction of the 'normal" life for the Gulls versus the life Jonathan strives to have.

Part 1: What is the meaning of life as defined by the Gulls?

Part 2: What is the meaning of life as defined by Jonathan?

Part 3: Does the idea of the meaning of life change throughout the story? How? If not, why not?

(see the answer keys)

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