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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. Why does Tim decline to go with the Ranger?

2. Who is in a deserted spot in the Santa Monica Mountains?

3. Who tries to take Harry to town?

4. Where is Eileen Hancock?

5. What does Mabel see lightning hit?

Short Essay Questions

1. What exchange between Barry and Delores seems to remove some pressure from Barry?

2. What is Harvey's reaction to what he finds and do you understand his reaction?

3. Why is the rain that is falling salty?

4. How does Alim demonstrate that he is re-thinking home robberies to ensure his gang's survival?

5. Who seems to take Armitage's type of preaching to heart in this section and what does he do?

6. What demonstrates how those who survive are the ones who concentrate on their own survival?

7. What do Tim and Eileen do after leaving the observatory and what is your analysis of their actions?

8. Why does Harvey wonder about where Marie might be?

9. Most of the major characters are introduced in these first dozen or so chapters and much of what is written is about the protagonist(s), antagonist(s) and secondary characters. Define those three terms.

10. What is one repercussion of the "gloom and doom" message preached by Henry Armitage and others?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Harvey comes home just after the comet begins striking the earth, he finds his wife and dog murdered and his house ransacked with the supplies he had carefully laid up for disaster stolen. He lies down and starts to go to sleep. Discuss the following:

Why do you think Harvey just lies down and goes to sleep?

What do you think would have happened had Joanne and Mark not arrived?

Why do you think some people react to survive in a crisis and others just give up and resign themselves to death?

Essay Topic 2

Soon after the comet hits, Eric goes back to the Burbank Jail where he finds that a jailer has released all the prisoners except Fred. Eric, citing the fact that no one deserved to die locked in a cell, kills the murderer. Discuss the following:

Do you believe Eric did the right thing in killing Fred?

What if it were a prisoner where the certainty of his guilt was not proved; then what should Eric do?

What do you think should happen in the prisons across the United States where those serving time have been found guilty in a court of law? Should they be released from certain death if they remain locked up?

Essay Topic 3

Harvey and his friend, Gordie, both have financial problems. Discuss the following:

Compare and contrast the methods both men use to deal with their financial problems.

What personality traits about each man make them solve their problems in different ways? Give examples.

Do you think Gordie being given a second chance will change him? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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