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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. How do Isaac and Lin's new projects affect their relationship?

2. What is the name of the prostitution part of town?

3. When were Yagharek's wings damaged?

4. What type of bird does Isaac have hanging to a cross in the center of the laboratory?

5. What type of insect does Isaac find in his bed when he wakes up in the morning?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the grub look like when it emerges from its pupa?

2. Who is Ged and how does he feel about Isaac's new project?

3. Why does Isaac suddenly set all his winged laboratory creatures free?

4. How do the people of New Crobuzon react when they hear that Isaac is studying flying creatures?

5. Who does the mayor reach out to for help when he hears of the slake moth's attacks?

6. What project was Dr. Barbile working on before it was cancelled by the government?

7. Who is Mr. Motley?

8. How are Isaac and his friends captured by the militia?

9. Who is Yagharek, and what does he want from Isaac?

10. What sounds does Isaac wake to in the morning of the novel's first chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many interesting characters in the novel, but perhaps none more interesting than Yagharek. First, describe Yagharek's physicality and explain how he came to look like this. Then, describe the relationship between Yagharek and Isaac - both professionally and personally. Do you think Yagharek deserved to be abandoned by Isaac at the end of the novel? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Perhaps the eeriest place Isaac visits in the entire novel is the construct council. First, describe the setting of the construct council and the way society is structured there. Then, explain why Isaac finds himself at the construct council and what requests he makes of the council while he is there. Finally, explain why Isaac chooses to trust the council when he has turned his back on so many others along the way. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the maturation process for the larva Isaac kept in his laboratory that eventually became the slake moth. What developmental stages did the larva go through? In your opinion, were there warning signs about the terrible creature the larva would become? If so, when? Finally, who do you think should be held responsible for the slake moth attacks? Why? Be sure to include information from the text to help strengthen your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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