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

2. Who is skeptical of Jonathan's ideas and plans for his future?

3. What does Jonathan finally realize about himself? "I am a perfect, _______ gull!"

4. What does Jonathan want Fletcher to begin with as he takes him as a student?

5. Perfect speed is "being _________."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The old guru Chiang is a mystical figure in this story. His wisdom seems far beyond even the realms of heaven. Just like any guru, he seems to be a little vague in his explanations, but at the same time, his knowledge and teaching help everyone around him

Part 1: What does Chiang propose as the description of heaven?

Part 2: What does it mean when the book says Chiang teaches Jonathan to transcend time?

Part 3: Do you think it's possible to transcend time? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The idea of the master's place in a student's life is also questioned in the last part of the book. In the relationship of Fletcher and Jonathan, the way these two Gulls interact impacts them both greatly.

Part 1: What does Fletcher decide to do in order to help spread the word about the lessons he's learned?

Part 2: Why does Jonathan remain at the side of Fletcher? Was this a good idea? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why does Jonathan have to help Fletcher using one of Chiang's techniques? Was this a good idea? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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