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

2. Who wrote the Arthasastra?
(a) The Apostle Paul.
(b) Chaucer.
(c) Rudyard Kipling.
(d) Kautilya.

3. According to Lessing, people crave__________.
(a) Dogma.
(b) Certainty.
(c) All of these.
(d) Predictable behavior.

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

5. What was remarkable about the bull this farmer owned?
(a) It was a half-breed.
(b) It was expensive.
(c) It was wild.
(d) It was albino.

Short Answer Questions

1. The political group Lessing joined in Rhodesia held what hope for the world under their rule?

2. What nationality was Friedrich Hebbel?

3. Where did the miner's strike referenced by Lessing take place?

4. Lessing believed that groups act together due to ___________.

5. Which leader of the miner's strike was referenced by Lessing?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In the anecdote about killing the bull, what did Lessing suggest that the farmer's revenge actions on the bull demonstrated?

4. What comments did Lessing make about the length of time the white ruling class was in power in Rhodesia?

5. What was the purpose of cutting down a tree associated with a traitor? Why did Lessing find it ridiculous?

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

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

8. Why did Lessing feel that our ability to consider differing viewpoints might save the human race?

9. In terms of collective beliefs during her life time, what idiocy struck Lessing?

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

(see the answer keys)

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