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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 planet on which Genly Ai is stationed is called 'Gethen' by its inhabitants. What do humans know this planet as?

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 the advice that Estraven gives Genly during his visit to Genly's apartment in Mishnory?

4. What does Genly do during his time in Otherhord, while he is waiting to be taken to the Foretellers?

5. What is the purpose of the parade upon which Chapter 1 opens?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does the Lord of Estre decide to raise the baby that was given to the warder as a son of the hearth?

4. What does Genly do during the time it takes him to journey to the border between Karhide and Orgoreyn? How is he treated during his travels?

5. Is Estraven's loyalty to Karhide, or is it to Orgoreyn?

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

7. Isolation is once again highlighted in Chapter 15, and is now shared between Genly Ai and Estraven. What Native American saying fits this chapter, and what does the shared isolation force Genly and Estraven to do for the first time?

8. What does Chapter 3 reveal to us about Genly's nature?

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

10. What do High Priest Tuhulme's comments about Yomesh being a one-sided religion mean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chapter 9 contains an element of mystery regarding Estraven I, as well as the origins of Estraven II and the identity of the man who left Estraven II with the warder at Estre Gate. In your opinion, did Estraven I really die? Who are the parents of Estraven II? What is the identity of the man who left Estraven II with the warder? Back up your opinion with proof from Chapter 9.

Essay Topic 2

Once again, Genly is asked in Chapter 16 (this time by Estraven) about gender distinction in humans. Genly explains that gender on Earth determines one's activities, outlooks, ethics, manners, and clothing. It's clear that the issue still remains somewhat of a mystery to Estraven, even after Genly explains it, if not also to Genly.

Based on your personal experiences, please explain how, if you were Genly, you would expand upon his explanations of how gender determines one's activities, outlooks, ethics, manners, and clothing. Use the answers he gives in not only Chapter 16 but elsewhere in the novel where others ask him about this, and expand upon them to better explain the concept of gender distinction to Estraven.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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