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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 takes a train to see Helmut Bronsi?

2. Who is Ann's son?

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

4. Who arrives and yanks Ann to her feet, angry at her attempt to commit suicide?

5. Whose followers discuss social progress as a fight against governmental intervention?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does John have conflicting feelings about terraforming and transnationals?

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

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

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

7. How does Nadia emerge as a heroine during the revolution through her work?

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

9. What is important about maintaining a base on Mars in relationship to Earth?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the main themes in the book is ethical and social responsibility. List at least four examples where Robinson employs this specific theme. Is the battle between making ethical choices obvious or subtle? What characters are involved in this kind of battle? Do you think the right person or group won? Does good always triumph over evil in the case of Red Mars ethics?

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one motif of religion. Identify at least two motifs about religion in the book. Then cite an example to support each answer.

Essay Topic 3

Describe some of the settings for Red Mars. What is the overall setting? Be sure to include geography, time period, and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Robinson choose to use these places in Red Mars?

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This section contains 865 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample