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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 in the airstream that appeared over the town square?

2. What does Ng tell Y.T. to do with the vial when she has it?

3. Where can the avatars not pass through each other?

4. To what are the standard assembly line workers vulnerable?

5. What limits an avatar's appearance?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is it apparent the control Hiro has over the information system?

2. What is the link between the virus, the drug and L. Bob Rife?

3. Why is the Deliverator so disturbed by the idea that the pizza he delivers might be late?

4. What is the Sacrifice Zone?

5. What things are revealed in Chapter 20 to make Raven a more formidable adversary than previously realized?

6. In Chapter 38 we see what we would consider violations to our right to privacy. What does Y.T.'s mother put up with working for the Feds?

7. A foreboding character is introduced in Chapter 15. Who is he and what is foreshadowed in this chapter?

8. More ethnic stereotyping is revealed in Chapter 40. How do people from the New South Africa franchise treat Hiro?

9. What is revealed in Y.T.'s relationship to her mom?

10. How does the Raft navigate?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Crips are actually an L.A. based gang. Discuss reasons why such a role would be occupied by a gang that exists in the real world. Discuss the use of this group of characters and what it reflects upon their society.

Essay Topic 2

Snow Crash is referred to as three different things. What are they and how do they differ? In what way are they the same? For each of them, find a real life equivalent. Compare and contrast them.

Essay Topic 3

There is one character that is really round, or realistic, in this novel. Describe this character and what makes him/her a finished character. Why are his/her motives realistic? By comparison, what is the flattest, or most unrealistic character?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 975 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample