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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. What was Taufiq's name when he incarnated on Shikasta?

2. What makes Shikasta unusual?

3. Dwarves and Elves were created by what species?

4. What other friend does Johor find in Chapter 12?

5. What word best describes Shikasta?

Short Essay Questions

1. What comments does Johor make about the white races in Chapter 13?

2. What is the Canopean view of the 20th century?

3. How did individual eight's life end?

4. How are the British people described in Chapter 8?

5. What does Johor report regarding Taufiq in Chapter 7?

6. What is said about religion in Chapter 10?

7. What is said in Chapter 8 regarding World War II?

8. Who is Taufiq?

9. What does Johor notice about the Natives upon his return to Shikasta after 30,000 years?

10. Who was the first individual introduced in Chapter 11, and what would John Brent-Oxford have done for her as a lawyer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the events and characters in the novel parallel events or characters from the Old Testament of the Bible. Why is that? What is the purpose of each of these characters? What message is the author attempting to convey? Why does she choose figures from Christianity, when Johor frequently dismisses Christianity as being bigoted and corrupt? Be sure to cite specific examples from the book to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

The Giants are introduced to Shikasta by the Canopeans, who are attempting to hasten the evolution of the Natives. How do the Canopeans think that the Giants will help? What is the nature of the relationship that exists between the Natives and the Giants? Why? How do the Giants feel about being put on Shikasta? What happens to the Giants after Shikasta is cut off from the Lock? Why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the book to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

The mock trial is one of the most important events in the novel. Who stages the trial? Who is being prosecuted, and why? Who are the defense and prosecuting attorneys? What arguments are made at the trial? How does the trial end? What is the final result of the trial? Does it change anything in Shikastan society? If so, what? Be sure to cite specific examples from the book to support your thesis.

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