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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. What surprised Lessing regarding human behavior over time?

2. Lessing believed history was a great __________.

3. What does Lessing hope will one day change human behavior?

4. Who was surprised by what happened to the miner who returned to work during the miner's strike?

5. Lessing believed people could grow if they only detached from ___________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The desire for war was something Lessing believed was innate in man.

1) How might different points of view influence a man's desire to fight?

2) Why did Lessing suggest that the word "blood" taps into an instinct to fight?

3) According to Lessing, what is the result of war on society?

Essay Topic 2

In her early days in Rhodesia, Lessing joined the Communist party.

1) Why did she join this group?

2) What did she like and dislike about being a Communist?

3) What did she learn from the experience?

Essay Topic 3

Examine one of the following examples, supporting or refuting Lessing's belief that these groups vilified the opposition in order to uphold their cause.

1) The miner who was beaten in Britain.

2) The Christian religion.

3) The political Left.

(see the answer keys)

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