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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. The Elder Gulls says that ________ is not a place or a time but means being perfect.

2. Most gulls scorn _________ and slowly go nowhere.

3. What does Jonathan's instructor say about Johnathan? He is a one in a __________ birds.

4. Is Jonathan disappointed that he didn't reach his goal?

5. Where does Jonathan think he is at the beginning of this part of the book?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The sacrificial death and resurrection of Fletcher is something that works to secure the reputation of the small group of students, even though it was meant to harm their appearance to the rest of the Flock.

Part 1: How did the sacrificial death and resurrection of Fletcher take place? Please describe how this occurred.

Part 2: To what else can this death and resurrection be compared? What other story seems to have been used as the inspiration for this situation?

Part 3: Do you think these events had to happen to Fletcher in order to make the group of students reputable? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In the end, Fletcher is the teacher of the Gulls, but they seem to be interested in other things besides what he wants to teach. And thus the story continues as it began.

Part 1: What does Fletcher have to master first before he can absorb the lofty philosophy of Jonathan?

Part 2: What do the students want from Fletcher now that he is the teacher?

Part 3: Do you think Fletcher is ready to be a teacher? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Jonathan seems to be a Gull with otherworldly ambitions, it seems. He is always striving for something more, while also asking questions of all around him.

Part 1: Why does Jonathan want more from his life?

Part 2: What does Jonathan want from his life and its experiences?

Part 3: Why doesn't Jonathan just settle for what other Gulls want from their lives? What makes him different?

(see the answer keys)

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