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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's voice tells Fletcher he must _____ them in order they may understand.

3. Who is the seagull that feels he has been too harshly and unjustly treated by the Flock?

4. What color is Jonathan when he appears beside Fletcher?

5. What does Jonathan do for the first time since leaving Earth when he finally transports himself?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the best speed Jonathan can reach in this new and delightful setting in the story?

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

4. Who is Jonathan's initial instructor when he arrives in this strange land?

5. What does Jonathan notice about the other gulls, but he falls asleep before he can try out this technique?

6. What are Jonathan's new wings seemingly made out of when he is flying in the new world?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The idea of Jonathan being a freethinker seems to be both good and bad. At times, it seems Jonathan might be making more of a mess of his life than he needs to.

Part 1: In what ways does Jonathan's freethinking benefit him in this story?

Part 2: In what ways does Jonathan's freethinking hurt him in this story?

Part 3: If you were in Jonathan's shoes, what sort of life would you choose - a freethinker or a follower? What is the reasoning behind your answer?

(see the answer keys)

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