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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 will the next Rheya remember about the first visit?

2. What does Kelvin give Rheya?

3. When did Kelvin last see Rheya?

4. Who is the first person Kelvin meets on the research station?

5. What book can't Kelvin find in Gibarian's room?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Kelvin take the Historia Solaris down from the bookshelf?

2. What reason does Kelvin give for his suggestion about the physical composition of the visitors?

3. How does Kelvin periodically check to reassure himself that the research station's air circulatory system is working?

4. Describe Snow.

5. What do the scientists see when the cover falls off Sartorius' video phone?

6. What is Kelvin wearing when he arrives on the research station?

7. What aspect of clothing does Rheya have in common with the apparition Kelvin saw enter Gibarian's room?

8. Why does Kelvin blame himself for Rheya's death?

9. What do Rheya's death and Gibarian's death have in common?

10. What is Gibarian's reaction to the eerie sound of footsteps echoing through the station?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the novel Solaris, humanity has searched through the reaches of the galaxy and tried to explain what it has found. By far, the greatest mystery has been Solaris.

1) What reasons do Solarists and humanity in general have for trying to explain and understand Solaris, and the other things found in the galaxy?

2) Does "explaining" Solaris make the ocean into a reflection of humanity and human traits?

3) Are the Solarists looking for something spiritual, beyond the nature of humanity? If so, is it possible for humans to connect with the spiritual, outside of the human realm?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the significance of the setup and layout of the space station setting.

1) The space station when Kelvin arrives is in complete disarray. Discuss the reasons for and significance of the state of the research station.

2) The library is an important element of the story, and a place Kelvin goes when he needs to escape. Discuss the significance of the library and how the author utilizes it in the story.

3) Kelvin's room looks out over Solaris' ocean and is the first place that Rheya appears to Kelvin. Discuss the significance and role of Kelvin's room and its view of the ocean.

Essay Topic 3

What does the novel say about unknowability? Discuss whether the nature of Solaris' ocean is knowable, based on external information, which is the only information available to humans. Discuss whether the nature of another human being is knowable, also based on the external information that is the only information available to others. Is it possible to truly know one's self, even though an individual is privy to his or her own private life? Use examples from the novel, and explain the author's point of view in your analysis.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 700 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample