View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the start of Chapter 6, Juliana attributes the healthier appearance of the Germans as depicted in a magazine article as proof of _____________.

2. What makes Juliana certain she and Joe could never be part of the colonization on other planets?

3. What makes Juliana question the fact that Joe says he is reading The Grasshopper Lies Heavy?

4. What other name does the I Ching go by?

5. What does the young driver's discovery about the character of Baynes suggest about the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. When told by the university that "there is a regular industry turning out these fakes," Childan gets angry and insists that this is only a rumor. Why is he in such denial even when the proof lies before him?

2. Chapter 1 introduces the setting of the novel as being in San Francisco twenty years after World War II. What signs are there that there has been a different outcome to this war from the history as we know it?

3. What do we learn about the German impact on television production and programming in Chapter 6? Of what significance is this to the storyline?

4. Childan says of the Kasouras, "these new young people, of the rising generation, who did not remember the days before the war or even the war itself, - they were the hope of the world." What is meant by this? How do the Kasouras appear to prove him right?

5. What appears to be the source of Juliana's depression at the start of Chapter 3? Why might this be considered to be ironic?

6. How does Baynes react to Tagomi's apartment? How do his thoughts and reactions to Tagomi's possessions and comments further define his character?

7. In Chapter 3, what suggestion is the author making by putting Hitler in a sanitarium and then noting that the present world in this novel is the product of his mind? What similarities are seen in the thoughts of Juliana and Baynes to support this view?

8. What new insight does Chapter 5 give the reader into the character of Baynes? What might this be foreshadowing?

9. Compare the reactions of Childan, Calvin and Wyndam-Matson to the discovery of the fake guns. What point does the author seem to be making about the business world as he sees it?

10. In the novel's society, outward appearance is an important part of being accepted. How is this reflected through the characters of Childan and Tagomi as they prepare for important meetings? Do you think there is truth in this practice even today?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel The Grasshopper Lies Heavy is both popular and controversial in this society. Briefly discuss its contents and what makes the novel controversial. Then, discuss at least two characters who are supportive of its message and two who are opposed to it. With each side, explain

what influences their reaction to the book and how their behavior and/or thoughts demonstrate the side they represent. Be specific throughout.

Essay Topic 2

During his dinner date at the Kasouras, Childan thinks, "The universe will never be extinguished because just when the darkness begins to smother all...the new seeds of light are reborn in the very depths." What does this quote mean? Explain how it applies, not only to the Kasouras, but to the overall novel as well.

Essay Topic 3

The early 1960s, the time period this novel was both written and set in, was a predominantly male-oriented society where the female was often considered weak and inferior. In what way does Philip Dick's novel support this attitude? In what way has it broken from the stereotype? What do you feel is his message about gender stereotyping? Give examples to support your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,532 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample