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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. When political groups or religions have a conflict, what does Lessing believe that those involved typically stop doing?
(a) Thinking.
(b) Believing gossip.
(c) Supporting the cause.
(d) Loving their neighbor.

2. What is the Arthasastra about?
(a) Taxing the poor.
(b) Science.
(c) Sensible governing.
(d) City planning.

3. How old is the Arthasastra?
(a) 2,000 years.
(b) 10,000 years.
(c) 100 years.
(d) 50 years.

4. Lessing found the tree cutting to be symbolic of ____________.
(a) "Fanatical religion."
(b) "Typical behavior."
(c) "Human evolution."
(d) "Awful primitivism."

5. How did the whites feel about the blacks in Rhodesia?
(a) Prejudiced.
(b) Benevolent.
(c) Protective.
(d) Vindictive.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Lessing, war causes humans to ____________.

2. According to Lessing, what do Christians believe in?

3. What was Rhodesia ruled by?

4. What was the label put on anyone in Rhodesia who disagreed with the ruling class?

5. Lessing was shocked to learn that her friend, a born again Christian, rejected ______________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Lessing believe the tendency to buy into vilification was a form of popular lunacy?

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

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

4. What is remarkable about the fact that the blacks were treated as second class citizens in Rhodesia?

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

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

7. Why was Lessing not surprised by the story of the attack on the British miner who was beaten by his friends?

8. What was the political climate in Lessing's country when she was growing up?

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

10. Why did Lessing suggest that strengthening individuality would lead to a better world in the future?

(see the answer keys)

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