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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Dillard suggests that the physical world is "all touch and go." What does she mean by this?

2. In Chapter 14, Dillard quotes a fifth century Egyptian mystic as saying what?

3. When a mosquito bites a snake, what happens?

4. What does Dillard believe about the death of the self?

5. What does the author think about fish?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Dillard's story about the tomcat in chapter one. Why did Dillard include this story in the book? What might be the meaning of this story?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about praying mantis. Include Dillard's observations, her knowledge from other sources, her reactions and feeling towards praying mantis and any beliefs she may have formed because of her thoughts on this insect.

Essay Topic 3

Dillard questions why insects seem so violent. She includes numerous examples and personal observations illustrating what seems to be violent behavior in insects. Describe some of her examples, including the insect's specific behavior and Dillard's thoughts when writing about the insect. Do you agree with Dillard's assessment? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 293 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample