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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 riots begin, what is taken in a hostile takeover?

2. Who is overwhelmed with grief upon hearing of the death of John Boone?

3. After the celebration attended by many of the first hundred colonizers, John tells _____ he thinks her/his children are saboteurs.

4. Who appears on Arkady's screen and demands surrender?

5. Who informs Frank that his corporation is opening an office in Ethiopia?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Simon reveal himself to be a strong force when he gets angry with Ann?

2. How does Peter Clayborne escape death?

3. Why do Frank and Maya argue and separate after he has a dream?

4. When riots begin in Mars, what does Frank discover as the city is in revolution?

5. What does John's role as a strong figure in the revolution give hope for?

6. How does it does become clear that the terraforming effort is not working as planned, affecting Mars in destructive ways?

7. How does Frank negotiate for the treaty on Mars, and how do Maya and others respond to his efforts?

8. Why is Ann depressed on Mars even when Michel offers the promise of survival?

9. How is John revealed as a complex personality in Part 5?

10. How is Ann reunited with her son?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Politics are also referred to in the book. Robinson refers to the politics of the society of the futuristic Red Mars set during the 21st century. How do the politics Robinson describes in the book compare to that of his own world? Do you think politics are an important part of the book? How else could Robinson incorporate politics into the book? Also examine the use of politics in relationships.

Essay Topic 2

In Red Mars, Robinson's Ares society shows a conscious selectivity about technology. What do you think of the technology that Hiroko tries to use for her own purposes? Which aspects do you find more or less appealing? How is technology associated with power and rebellion?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Maya. What is her role in the story? What was Robinson trying to accomplish by creating Maya's character in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 858 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample