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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 do Lauren and her father have in common?

2. Who does Lauren's father vote for in the Presidential election?

3. How many of the seven latest intrusions into the neighborhood are successful?

4. Why does Cory think the family should move to Olivar?

5. Why doesn't Aura go out for target practice anymore?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Lauren call President Donner a "human banister"?

2. What does Cory accuse her husband of after Keith runs away?

3. What is it about Lauren's flying in her dream that makes her seem "better" than she used to be, and what makes her still not an expert?

4. What's causing the chaos after the earthquake?

5. What is the story of the parable of the importunate widow?

6. What is the difference between Lauren's and Joanne's bedrooms?

7. What is the one paradox in Lauren's philosophy?

8. Why does Lauren say that the bubonic plague in medieval Europe represents positive change?

9. Why does Lauren's dad return to Robledo?

10. What are the "rules" of the group that Lauren shares with Grayson?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lauren rejects her Baptist upbringing with her more "universal" Earthseed philosophy. Explain how Butler presents the concept of religion in the novel. Does religion seem to be a positive or negative influence? Compare and contrast the religion of Rev. Olamina with the core Earthseed beliefs.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the qualities that Lauren has that make her a good leader. Using examples from the text, describe how she manages to convince people to join her group. What is it about her that seems to make people trust her or believe in her?

Essay Topic 3

Lauren's father is a very important influence in her life. Describe the role he plays in her development as a strong leader. What lessons does he teach her? What are his character flaws? Compare and contrast the way Reverend Olamina leads the community of Robledo and the way Lauren leads her community at Acorn.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 672 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample