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

Short Answer Questions

1. When did the political group Lessing belonged to in Rhodesia fall apart?

2. According to Lessing, people crave__________.

3. According to Lessing, what is a recipe for social disorder?

4. What position did Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. hold?

5. Where did Lessing grow up?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lessing was raised in Rhodesia, where a small ruling class of whites dominated the black majority. Based on Lessing's theories, create an argument as to why the whites were successful in this endeavor.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

During the Korean War, U.S. soldiers were brainwashed into confessing crimes they did not commit. This began a government investigation into brainwashing. How might government knowledge of brainwashing affect society?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 618 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample