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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. The man tells the woman a story about the Peach Women of what planet?

2. What does the man say all stories are about in some way?

3. How does Richard react when Laura tells him sending her to school is a waste of time?

4. Where does Richard like to leave bruises on Iris?

5. In chapter 13, Iris recounts the start of what war?

Short Essay Questions

1. What message does Laura leave for Iris in her school notebooks?

2. In chapter 13 what is the state of Iris and Richard's marriage?

3. In chapter 12, what is the significance of the yellow curtains?

4. According to chapter 9, why is Laura afraid of her father?

5. In chapter 9, how does Laura behave towards Richard?

6. On one of the articles, Richard warns his fellow Canadians about politics overseas. What does he warn them about?

7. How does Iris choose to respond to the message left by her sister?

8. In chapter 13, why does Walter come over to Iris's house?

9. According to chapter 11, how does the adult Aimee feel towards her mother and why?

10. In chapter 10, the woman goes and buys a copy of the man's story about the Lizard Men of Xenor. How does the printed story differ from the story the man has told the woman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel explores many issues related to social class, both in the main narrative and the sub narrative. Compare the rigid class structure of Sakiel-Norn to that of the early to mid twentieth century class structure as depicted in the novel. Make sure to address such issues as social mobility, the value of money, and the disconnect between public appearances and private actions.

Essay Topic 2

Many of the characters do things that they find repulsive or uncomfortable as a sacrifice for someone they love. Choose a sacrifice made by a character in the novel, explain the sacrifice and why the character made it and whether you agree or disagree with the character's decision. Be sure to explain your reasoning and answer such questions as: Did the sacrifice accomplish anything; did the person for which the character is sacrificing appreciate the sacrifice; does it matter if it is appreciated?

Essay Topic 3

Iris feels confined by her gender. She feels obligated to accept Richard's marriage proposal, she allows him to bully her because she believes she has no real power in their relationship, and remains married to him because she has no marketable skills. In the same way, the sacrificial virgins of Sakiel-Norn are doomed to a life of slavery and sacrifice. Do you think that Iris and Laura are confined by their gender or do they have the power to make their own decisions and escape from the expectations of the men around them? Compare and contrast the Sakiel-Norn virgins with the women in the main novel, incorporating at least two characters. You might want to include characters such as Iris, Laura, Reenie, Winifred, Liliana, Adelia, Aimee, or Myra. You can also incorporate the Peach Women of Aa'A if you so choose.

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