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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 what month is the novel set?

2. Which of the following was fed to the moon mission astronauts on their last night on earth?

3. How many people crew the moon mission?

4. What is smeared on scissors on the station?

5. Which of the following does Nell eat for lunch?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are the station crew not allowed new underwear daily?

2. How does Shaun report watching the first moon landing?

3. Why does Anton posit his brain repeats dreams?

4. What is it that prompts the fisherman to realize his children’s beauty?

5. How does the novel describe the beginning of the typhoon?

6. Why must the station crew exercise for hours daily?

7. What question does Shaun’s teacher ask about Las Meninas?

8. Why had the moon mission astronauts been treated to a special meal on their last night on earth?

9. What are the normal topics of conversation among the station crew?

10. What cardiovascular effects are noted on the station crew?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the ending of the novel. Does it satisfy? How or how not?

Essay Topic 2

To what other writer’s work in your experience does Harvey’s seem most similar? What makes the writers similar? What differentiates them? Overall, which do you regard as doing better at the craft of writing, and why?

Essay Topic 3

Ultimately, what does the novel say about interpreting works of art, irrespective of medium? What in the text says as much? How does the text say it?

(see the answer keys)

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