View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. During Lessing's time in Rhodesia, how many people were in the political party she briefly joined?

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

4. During a riot in Brussels, what shocking act did humans perform on corpses?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Lessing consider the age of Arthastra to be significant?

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

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

4. What was Lessing's opinion regarding war as a basis of our mentality?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Brainwashing is an unpleasant idea for those who believe they are susceptible.

1) According to Lessing, who feels susceptible to brainwashing?

2) What is the process of brainwashing?

3) Who is susceptible to brainwashing?

Essay Topic 2

Lessing contended that several parts of our culture use brainwashing as a form of communication. Choose from one of the following entities and examine the influence it has or could have on society through brainwashing.

1) Advertising community.

2) Religion.

3) Government.

Essay Topic 3

Lessing believed that the word "blood" is a powerful one when it comes to inciting emotion.

1) Why did she find the word "blood" significant?

2) What are some examples she gives to support this theory?

3) What are the implications regarding human nature and violence?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 657 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample