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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 does George think should be done with the remaining brotherhood who are prisoners?

2. Who is driving while Eileen sleeps?

3. Who attends the court proceedings?

4. Who of the brotherhood is killed?

5. What do the boys and Gordie decide to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What decision does Jellison make about Bonar and do you agree with his decision?

2. What does Beck say about the New Brotherhood Army?

3. What does Al tell Harvey about Maureen?

4. What does Tim suggest about the power plant and what is the ultimate decision?

5. What are a couple cultural changes that have happened with the comet strike?

6. What does Jackie say is ironic about the situation of the blacks since the comet strike?

7. What idea does Dan Forrester have to stop the New Brotherhood Army and does it seem plausible?

8. How does Harvey convince Al that he is a valuable addition to the needs of the people in this area?

9. What are some people resorting to as they try to survive and what do you think of the idea?

10. Why is Harvey designate to create obstacles for the New Brotherhood Army and what does he call himself?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As Tim is trying to get out of the city, he grabs an abandoned tape recorder and microphone and shoves it into an armed man's face, asking questions. Discuss one of the following:

Obviously Tim thinks quickly on his feet. This might be called an instance of "survival of the fittest." Discuss this concept as it appears through the entire book.

For some, survival has included cannibalism. Discuss the moral implications of cannibalism as a means of survival. Use examples from the book and real life (think of Donner Pass and the plane crash in the Andies).

Should the concept of "survival of the fittest" be the guiding principle in such a situation as that in Lucifer's Hammer?

Essay Topic 2

Harvey and Senator Jellison are two of the most influential characters in Lucifer's Hammer and have a major impact on the rest of the people in the story.

Part 1) Compare and contrast the characters of Harvey and the Senator. How are they the same? How are they different?

Part 2) What do you think would have happened if these two characters, Harvey and Senator Jellison, never existed in the story? Use events from the book where the direct influence of Harvey and Senator Jellison had an impact on others.

Part 3) Who is the better leader,Harvey and Senator Jellison? Cite several examples from the book to support your case.

Essay Topic 3

In an underground concrete bunker somewhere in the northeastern United States, Major Bennet Rosten and Captain Harold Luce are waiting commands. The US fears that the Russians will believe the US "blind and crippled" by the comet event, using that as a time to strike. Discuss the following:

Is it realistic to think that in the middle of a terrible, global crisis that the Russians would launch nuclear warheads at another country? Why or why not?

Why do you think China makes a preemptive strike against Russian when all countries may have to cooperate to overcome total global annihilation from the effects of the comet?

Would you authorize nuclear weapon attacks during such a crisis? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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