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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. Why does Daniel spend so much time at Whitehall?

2. Where does Jack find Arlanc?

3. Where does Eliza stay during the day in Amsterdam while Jack wanders?

4. Whom does Jack go into business with in Amsterdam?

5. What does Eliza write about in her letters to Leibniz?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Liselotte tell the King about Eliza?

2. How has Eliza been sending messages without being discovered?

3. Why is Eliza going to Varseilles?

4. What happens to Eliza on her trip to Varseilles?

5. How is the telling of Monmouth's death different from the rest of the book?

6. Why are Bob and Dick sent to visit Daniel in prison?

7. What rumor does dAvaux spread that causes Eliza trouble while being a governess?

8. Why does Jack go to Paris?

9. What does Eliza send reports to William about?

10. How does Jack make money while in Paris?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many characters in this book are forced to sacrifice much in order to obtain their goals. Who are some of these characters, and how did their sacrifices affect the other characters around them? Were these sacrifices worth the reward? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Wealth is a major motivating factor for a number of characters in this book. Which characters are most affected by this, and what are some of the different ways this love for money is manifested?

Essay Topic 3

Symbolism is a very prevalent literary device used by Neal Stephenson. What are some of these symbols, and how does their presence affect the course of the plot?

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