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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. Why is Rachel unable to understand some conversations between George and his teachers?

2. Chapter 22 describes the rise of what, as a result of the economic and social problems on Shikasta?

3. What longing does George express, in his letters in Chapter 29?

4. How does Rachel feel about Suzannah, initially?

5. What is happening to Benjamin in Chapter 31?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the substance of Agent 20's report, in Chapter 18?

2. Who is Sharma?

3. What does the top-secret letter relayed in Chapter 26 say about George, Benjamin and John Brent-Oxford?

4. What is the result of the arguments presented at the mock trial?

5. What does George tell Rachel when she has difficulty handling the news of Naseem and Shireen's deaths?

6. How did the youth armies form on Shikasta?

7. How does Rachel feel about the conversations George has with his teacher, Hasan?

8. How are George, Benjamin and Rachel described in Chapter 21?

9. Who is Suzannah?

10. What is special about Lynda Coleridge?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

George's girlfriend is Suzannah, but he has an emotional affair with a woman named Sharma. What are the major differences between Sharma and Suzannah? Why does George choose to be with Suzannah? Why can't he be with Sharma? How does each woman help him to accomplish his mission when he is incarnated on Shikasta? Why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the book to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

The novel establishes an innovative concept of life after death. What happens to people when they die on Shikasta? Is this the same system that exists on other planets? Why or why not? How is Johor able to communicate with souls waiting to reincarnate? Why? How do the souls in Zone Six feel about their situation, and why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the book to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

The Shammat are a powerful force that goes against the Canopean government. Why are the Shammat so antagonistic? What do they want from Shikasta? What are their goals? Why do they end up being corrupted by the SOWF they drain from Shikasta? What do they do to the other planets they oversee? What are their relationships with other races like, and why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the book to support your thesis.

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