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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. Although radiation has reached Townsville, northern Australia, what is the situation?

2. What will happen when the radiation covers the Southern hemisphere?

3. Why does Mr. Davidson think people are not migrating south ahead of the radiation?

4. What is Mary's chief concern at this point?

5. What is John Osbourne's estimate of how long they have to live?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Moira's objection to Dwight's suggestion that she go to school?

2. How do some people hold the hope that one day humans will again populate the Earth?

3. Describe briefly what the story is about.

4. Tell what is known about the global nuclear war.

5. Explain where is it deemed possible that life might actually be able to continue on Earth?

6. What is Dwight's experience in church the weekend he spends with Peter and Mary?

7. How is Moira Davidson dealing with the eminent threat of death by radiation?

8. What is of special interest about the radio signals coming from around Seattle?

9. What is notable about Mary's plans for her garden?

10. How does the relationship between Dwight and Moira develop?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about holding onto personal values regardless of external circumstances. Express your opinion of Dwight who remains faithful to a dead wife and children. Does his behavior in the novel mark him as a heroic figure?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about pure love. It is clear that Moira is in love with Dwight. Leading up to her introduction to him, she is described as having lived a promiscuous life. What is it in the relationship between her and Dwight that prevents her from attempting to seduce him.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on stoicism in the face of death. Use John Osbourne as your example of a person who knows what to expect and accepts the inevitable. State your opinion about the dignity with which Osbourne faces death.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 656 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample