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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. In Chapter 7, how do Paul and Betty react to Childan's comments about Abendsen's theories?

2. What feeling best describes Juliana's reaction to Joe's explanation about his cash supply?

3. In Chapter 13, in the hotel room, how does Juliana settle her dispute with Joe?

4. At the start of Chapter 10, what is Baynes's thinking his private meeting in Tagomi's office could mean for him?

5. What does Tagomi fear about The Oracle that has him so upset?

Short Essay Questions

1. Wegener speaks of the political situation of the Third Reich and its plans for Japan. As he explains what the Japanese must do to protect their own interests and country, Tagomi grows more and more upset. Why, if Wegener is trying to help, is Tagomi so disturbed?

2. Paul sees The Grasshopper Lies Heavy as being "possibly within the genre of science fiction." Betty disagrees because "science fiction deals with the future, in particular where science has advanced over now." Paul notes, however, that "it deals with an alternate present" as many well-known science fiction novels do. How do their definitions fit into the classifying of The High Castle as science fiction? Is there anything you would add to their definition?

3. How has Tagomi's most prized possession a "perfectly preserved U.S. 1860 Civil War Colt .44, a treasured collector's item" changed in significance as the story progresses?

4. In Chapter 7, the reader learns more about Childan through his dialogue with the Kasouras and through a further glimpse into his inner thoughts. What do we learn about his political and cultural views? What does this say about his character? Are his views justified? Has your opinion of him changed at all since you first met him in Chapter 1?

5. Chapter 9 repeats a technique used by Philip Dick in earlier chapters. He presents multiple characters and scenarios within a single chapter. What three scenarios are presented, and who is included in each? How does Dick attain a sense of unity despite the differing scenarios?

6. Chapter 10 focuses on the internal and external conflicts faced by Baynes. What are these conflicts? What do they suggest about his character?

7. In Chapter 9, Joe accuses Juliana of being guilty of "worry, fear, and suspicion about him and everything else in the world." In what way is this true? Are her feelings well founded? What might this be foreshadowing?

8. As Childan reflects on how his beliefs have been shaken, he pities himself as being a salesman who has to deal with people like Tagomi, who, in his words, "by merest reflection manage to rub my nose in it, make my life miserable." In what way does this statement take an ironic twist in light of how he treats McCarthy and makes plans for Edfrank Jewelry?

9. Tagomi buys a piece of Edfrank Jewelry at Childan's suggestion. What selling angle does Childan use that convinces Tagomi to buy it? What does Tagomi hope to get from this purchase? What does this say about his present state of mind? What has the jewelry come to symbolize overall?

10. What similarities can be seen between Tagomi's situation, actions, and reactions as Chapter 12 ends and those of Juliana as Chapter 13 ends?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The characters of Paul, Tagomi, and Childan all have their "moments" with the Edfrank Jewelry. What makes this jewelry different? How has each character reacted to it? What does it come to symbolize overall? Be specific throughout your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

Mr. Tagomi can be described as a dynamic character, one that goes through a transformation from the story's beginning to its end. Trace the development of Tagomi from his telephone conversation in Chapter 1 with Childan to the final chapter when he confronts Reiss. In what ways does he change? What influences these changes? Be specific throughout your discussion.

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.

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