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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. What interrupts Ransom and the Oyarsa's conversation?

2. After Weston and Devine are taken from Oyarsa 's presence what happens to Ransom?

3. How does Ransom feel as Oyarsa approaches?

4. What does Ransom do with the knowledge he acquired on Malacandra?

5. What does the Oyarsa say gives the Malacandrians peace?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ransom feel about going with Hyoi on the hunt for the hnakra? What does he want to prove?

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

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

4. What is the narrator's purpose in writing this story?

5. What does Augray, the sorn, and Ransom talk about while eating?

6. Explain the history of earth (Thulcandra) and its relationship to Malacandra.

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

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

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

10. What kind of knowledge interest the sorn?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

In this book Weston talks about humanity eventually traveling the stars and conquering other planets, because "humans" were the best people ever created. What would you think if you met intelligent beings who did not resemble "humans?" What do you think are characteristics that make humans something other than "animal?" Do you believe a creature other than a "human" could have those characteristics? Why or Why not?

(see the answer keys)

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