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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 is the length of the Gethenians' sexual cycle?

2. Two nights and one day after Estraven and Stokven become kemmers, Estraven is attacked by a party from Stok and presumed killed. Stokven tells his countrymen what to do with Estraven's body. Did they follow Stokven's orders?

3. What is Genly's opinion of Estraven's presence in Orgoreyn?

4. What is the period of time during which a Gethenian is sexually active called?

5. In Chapter 1, who is Pemmer Harge rem ir Tibe ('Tibe' for short) described as?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the Shath Domain, Getheren's homeland, experiencing poverty and widespread illness near the end of Chapter 2?

2. As in the two Gethenian myths encountered previously, what is one of the themes that Chapter 6 deals with? Explain.

3. What happens to a pregnant Gethenian's body?

4. As the ice melts and runs into the mouths of sleepers, what substance does it become?

5. What is the Thangering Fastness?

6. What is kemmering?

7. Why does Estraven enter dothe after he arrives at the farm where Genly is being held?

8. What does Estraven accomplish in Chapter 6 concerning Genly Ai?

9. In Chapter 19, how is betrayal portrayed?

10. What does the answer given to Genly by the Foretellers foreshadow?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Please describe Lord Berosty's obsession and what it prevents him from doing, as well as Genly Ai's obsession and what it prevents him from doing. Explain the parallels that can be drawn between the two men in regards to their respective obsessions.

Essay Topic 2

Was it a necessary or a needless thing for Estraven to allow Tibe's men to kill him? Why or why not? Did Estraven allow his death to happen in order to protect Genly, or did he commit suicide to avoid deportation to Orgoreyn? Please support your answers with specific references to the text.

Essay Topic 3

Chapter 7 helps us see that Genly's pride is making development of a relationship and negotiations with the Gethenians difficult. Please explain, in your own words, how his pride is hurting his efforts. Use examples from previous chapters to support your statements.

(see the answer keys)

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