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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Lessing believe that humans know?
(a) More than they did in the past.
(b) Killing is wrong.
(c) The power of leadership.
(d) They will never change.

2. Growing up, Lessing was briefly a member of what party?
(a) Communism.
(b) The Tea Party.
(c) Republicans.
(d) Vigilantes.

3. What was an unquestionable belief held by the political party Lessing joined in Rhodesia?
(a) Blacks were superior.
(b) Communism was dead.
(c) Religion was obsolete.
(d) None of these.

4. What does the political Left believe in, according to Lessing?
(a) Socialism.
(b) Honesty.
(c) Revolution.
(d) Charity.

5. What was the label put on anyone in Rhodesia who disagreed with the ruling class?
(a) Sexually depraved.
(b) Corrupt.
(c) Evil.
(d) All of these.

Short Answer Questions

1. How long did the regime in Rhodesia last?

2. The tree was cut down for its association with _____________.

3. What did the farmer do to punish the bull for its kill?

4. Lessing found the tree cutting to be symbolic of ____________.

5. How did the whites feel about the blacks in Rhodesia?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did the ruling class in Rhodesia get others to go along with their beliefs?

2. As Lessing looked ahead, how would people of the future feel, considering our lack of ability to change?

3. Lessing believed that if humans could learn from our history, we could change our future in what respect?

4. Why was Lessing discouraged by the application of behavioral data uncovered through the "soft sciences"?

5. Why did Lessing believe sub-groups with opposing positions were dangerous?

6. What ideas do the quotes prior to "When in the Future They Look Back on Us" demonstrate?

7. When onlookers recognize that others are lying, Lessing believed they refuse to protest the lies for what purpose?

8. What service did Lessing feel that novelists brought to the world?

9. What is Lessing's prediction concerning what every viewpoint will become with time?

10. According to Lessing, how is the group mentality different from individual mentality?

(see the answer keys)

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