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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. Who is the friend of Hiroko that hates terraforming?

2. Who escapes on an elevator when the cable is destroyed?

3. Who tells John of an anti-aging product?

4. Who funds Phyllis's camp?

5. What is Ann's son waiting for to take him away to safety from the cracked dome?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Phyllis's desire for money become apparent through her efforts on Mars?

2. Why does Ann crumble in mental stability as the destruction of Mars occurs?

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

4. What are Helmut's motivations for working on Mars?

5. On the fourteenth day of the revolution, why does Arkady's arm go up in flames?

6. How does Frank respond after learning the treaty has failed?

7. How does Peter Clayborne escape death?

8. How does Frank disappear, trying to save his companions?

9. How does Ann try commit suicide?

10. After Frank's office is flooded with immigrants, why does he decide to go to Phyllis for help?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Red Mars is particularly effective in conveying meaning through powerful imagery. Powerful imagery establishes connections in the minds of readers with the story's characters and plot. Imagery is the picture we form in our minds of the story we read. It can involve, visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, kinetic, and kinesthetic. The author uses imagery to translate words into a visual story that we can see and participate in within our minds. Describe the use of imagery in this science fiction novel.

Essay Topic 2

Red Mars is a classic science fiction novel. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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This section contains 808 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample