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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. This city is the capital of the nation of Karhide:

2. What does Genly ask the Foretellers?

3. What is the monogamous partnership between two Gethenians called?

4. What is the proclamation made just before Genly is taken in to see the king?

5. On what day of the month is Genly allowed to visit the Nine Foretellers and ask his question?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Genly's decision to take money to Estraven on Ashe's behalf significant?

2. What "tale" of his planet does Genly tell Asra?

3. What is the Thangering Fastness?

4. What is Genly's impression of Orgoreyn?

5. What theme is brought out in Chapter 11, and how is it brought out?

6. Why does the First Ekumen send only one representative (Genly) to King Argaven to conduct negotiations with him on its behalf?

7. What is the significance of the completion of the Arch of River Gate?

8. In chapter 16, why does Estraven ignore Genly while he is in kemmer?

9. Why does darkness follow each child born to Edondurath and his partner?

10. What communicates the imagery of facade and veneer in Chapter 10?

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

In Chapter 14, Genly's prejudice against the Gethenians is plainly apparent. How does this prejudice hamper his mission to convince Gethen to become part of the Ekumen of Known Worlds? Please provide examples from the novel that illustrate his prejudice, and that show how his prejudice keeps interfering with the accomplishment of his mission.

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 8, Genly Ai's naїveté is once again painfully evident, as he assumes the people of Orgoreyn are more advanced and civilized than the Karhidites. What causes Genly to come to this conclusion, and what, based on what you read in Chapter 8, is the truth about Orgoreyn? Is it indeed more advanced and civilized than Karhide? Use specific examples from Chapter 8, and previous chapters if applicable, to support your answer.

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