View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Janet notice one day that seems to open up the world to her?

2. How does Ned Corcoran react when he sees an aborigine on his property?

3. What sort of relationship do Lachlan and Janet develop?

4. Which of Jock's neighbors does he expect to support him?

5. What does Jock jokingly tell the men that they are afraid of?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Andy come to discover Gemmy visits with the natives? How does he react?

2. What is Andy's version of the meeting Gemmy has with the natives? What is incorrect about his version?

3. What does Comet River represent for the white settlers?

4. What does Ellen recount for the children when she finds out that Lachlan will be coming to live with the McIvors?

5. What sort of relationship does Gemmy have with the natives while he is living with them? How does he "fit" into their society?

6. Describe Gemmy's appearance when the children first come upon him

7. Describe the attributes that make Mrs. Hutchence unique in the community

8. What does Lachlan do that makes Jock proud of him?

9. How does Ellen react to the changes in Jock?

10. How does Gemmy attempt to maintain his ties to the aborigines in this chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Malouf's descriptive language lends a layer of richness to the experience of reading Remembering Babylon. Select three instances where the author uses strong sensory language and:

1) describe the language he uses; and,

2) discuss the impact of the language on your experience of reading this scene. How does your understanding of the story change because of this language? How is it enhanced? Is it more or less pleasurable? Why?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Flashbacks play an important role Remembering Babylon. Select two flashback scenes in the novel and:

1) describe what happens in the scene

2) discuss how this flashback fits into the main plot of the story

3) analyze the importance of including this particular flashback at this point in the story. What impact does the flashback have on the story? How would it be different if it was not there?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

One of the themes Remembering Babylon explores is the impact of the past on the present.

1) Describe at least three scenes where this theme is developed.

2) Discuss what the novel has to say about this theme.

3) Critique the author's viewpoint on this theme. Do you agree or disagree with his beliefs? Why?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 915 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample