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

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

3. According to Lessing, what religion has encouraged Europeans to kill in the name of God?

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

5. What was Lessing's concern regarding the application of science on human behavior?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why did Lessing join a communist group in Rhodesia?

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

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

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

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

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

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 human race would be stronger and better if it could only learn from its past. Why do humans choose to ignore history, with the effect of repeating lessons that should have already been learned?

1) In what ways do humans have the ability to learn from history?

2) What are some examples in history that humans should learn from?

3) Why do humans often end up repeating mistakes already made in the past?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 691 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample