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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. When Weston talks of humanity, what does the Oyarsa do?

2. What is the name of the sorn Ransom meets in the cave?

3. Why is Ransom confused as he climbs through the mountain pass?

4. How do the hross view death?

5. How does Ransom feel as Oyarsa approaches?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Osarya repond to Weston's speech?

2. What kind of knowledge interest the sorn?

3. Why have Weston and Devine brought Ransom to Malacandra?

4. Who is brought in front of Oyarsa and what happens?

5. What does Ransom do and what does he see after they land on earth?

6. What does Ransom tell the sorn about earth and what do the sorn think?

7. What does Ransom find at the edge of the grove? Describe it.

8. What does the hross have to say about war on Malacandra?

9. Describe a parallel between Ransom leaving to go to the mountains and the beginning of the book.

10. What happens with the three dead hross?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Hyoi explained the hross mating habits to Ransom he seemed to imply that mating, done only once, for a short time, in a hross's life made it that much sweeter and memorable. Chose one of your favorite activities or food, for example, chocolate.

Write about how you think it would feel to be able to experience that activity or food a few times, for a few short years in your life. Do you think it would make it better? How do you think you'd feel after the time was gone and you could not longer have access to something you enjoyed so much?

Essay Topic 2

Write about your overall reaction to this book. Did you like it? Why or why not? Was it exciting? Boring? Was it believable? Were you able to put yourself on the planet and feel you knew what it looked like? Felt like? Did you like or dislike the characters? Did you agree with them? What did you see the story as representing?

Essay Topic 3

In Out of the Silent Planet, C.S.Lewis has much to say about racism and judging people based on external differences.

1. Do you think Weston's attitude toward the inhabitants of Malacandra parallels discrimination or prejudice in this country? Explain the differences and similarities between Weston's thinking and groups today who pander hate. What are some of the minorities in this country? Give examples of prejudice that you may have witnessed or read about.

(see the answer keys)

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