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. What does the conversation between Childan and the Kasouras tell the reader has happened to the most humanitarian of the candidates for new Chancellor, von Schirach?

2. After having dinner with the Kasouras, Childan says he no longer feels________________.

3. What word best describes the mood at the Kasouras' home during Childan's visit?

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

5. The fate of what real group of people does Childan's statement, "I am an outsider in my own country" bring to mind?

Short Essay Questions

1. Frank thinks Juliana may be able to help him and McCarthy sell their jewelry. He looks at this relationship as being strictly business. What qualities does he see in her that could be helpful? What does this further reveal about her character? Do you feel this is the real reason he would like to contact her?

2. As her concern about Joe and his real identity and intentions grow, Juliana's thoughts revert to Frank. First, she thinks, "Frank. Help me. I'm into something I don't understand." A bit later she informs Joe, "My husband is a Jew." What does this suggest about her feelings about Frank? What is further revealed about her character?

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. 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?

7. Reiss speaks about the "power of fiction" and sees The Grasshopper Lies Heavy as dangerous. In what way can it be dangerous?

8. Paul's proposal to mass market the Edfrank Jewelry is turned down by Childan, despite the fact this could have made him very wealthy. What has the jewelry come to symbolize to Childan that makes it more important than wealth? How does this realization affect him?

9. Juliana's words and thoughts seem jumbled and senseless at one point in Chapter 13 as she says things like, " Hair creates bear who removes spots in nakedness." and "However, only woman." What is the cause of this gibberish and disorientation? Do you feel this type of dialogue enhances or distracts from the storyline? Why?

10. Why is Tagomi shocked when the elderly man shows up for the meeting with Baynes? What concerns does Tagomi share with him? What is the visitor's reaction to these concerns?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the novel's title, The High Castle, both at a literal and symbolic level? What is the further significance of what Juliana learns about it when she finally meets Abendsen? What does Philip Dick appear to be saying through the multiple levels of meaning and the change that takes place? Be thorough and specific in your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

Foreshadowing is often an effective way for an author to develop a main or sub-plot, as it gives hints to the reader along the way as to what might happen next or eventually. Focus on the plot involving Joe and Juliana. Follow the trail of clues Philip Dick gives the reader from Juliana's early observation that "Joe breathes death." Continue following the clues to his and her final actions and a warning that Joe was not who he said he was at all. He would be responsible for something terrible. What effect does this have on the reader throughout? Be specific with examples and explanations.

Essay Topic 3

Authors have many techniques available to help them develop a character. These include physical description, dialogue with another character, personal thoughts or monologues, and comments from other characters or from the author himself. Select a character from the novel that you feel has been fully developed. Discuss how the character was given a personality through the author's use of the above techniques. Be specific with both character traits and how they were developed.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,646 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample