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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 fills Jonathan's eyes when he tells the Elder Gull he wants to conquer another unknown?

2. Only on occasion does Jonathan remember using wings in the fight for _________.

3. Perfect speed is "being _________."

4. When the other gulls look at Jonathan in awe, what does he proclaim himself to be, needing to learn from them instead?

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

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 believe Heaven should do in terms of limits?

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

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

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

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

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

8. What is Chiang's response to Jonathan's question about whether this place is heaven or not?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of needing 10,000 reincarnations to "get" the meaning of life seems astounding to read in this book. The Gull needs to come back to the Earth again and again in order to learn the lessons Jonathan learns.

Part 1: Why does an ordinary Gull need 10,000 reincarnations to understand the meaning of life?

Part 2: What other lessons do Gulls learn as they go through these various reincarnations?

Part 3: What makes Jonathan so special in regards to this idea of reincarnations?

Essay Topic 2

It seems that in the definition of reincarnation, Gulls do not come back as anything other than Gulls. This seems strange as traditional thoughts on reincarnation say that animals come back as other animals and even humans.

Part 1: Why don't Gulls come back as anything besides Gulls?

Part 2: What does Chiang say will help to break this cycle of coming back as the same species again and again?

Part 3: Why might Gulls be the only species who come back as the same thing? What reasons can you provide?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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