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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 time does the clock chime, which indicates a problem to the narrator?

2. What does Beadley encourage the group they can do?

3. What do Bill and Josella see in the night that chooses for them where to go in the morning?

4. What is the man at the end of Chapter 1 going to do?

5. What is the name of the hospital in which the narrator is residing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is happening to society at the beginning of Chapter Four, and why?

2. Describe why Bill finds it difficult at first to break the law, even for food.

3. Explain what the landlord at the end of chapter 1 plans on doing, and how.

4. Describe the events of the night of May 7th, in terms of what the narrator notes is said to have occurred, according to history books.

5. Explain Bill's response to the argument at the gate between the sighted and the blind.

6. Describe the different aspects of society Bill and Josella say goodbye to in Chapter Five.

7. What surprises Josella about her actions when she was captive?

8. Explain the difference between Josella's view of triffids and Bill's. Why are they do drastically different?

9. Explain the irony of the blind man Bill finds in Chapter Three, who was blind before the comet.

10. Describe the scene where the narrator first learns of the blindness that plagues mankind.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, the narrator is forced to deal with figures in authority and to choose whether to believe what they say or not. Authority figures in the novel range from radio announcers to people in authoritative positions, such as the Colonel and Coker, and those who wish power over anything else, such as the Commander. Choose one situation in which Bill is forced to choose between following authority and ignoring authority. Explain the situation. What does this say about Bill's willingness to think for himself? About his willingness to blindly follow authority figures? Why is this important? In terms of authority in the novel, what is the author suggesting about military authority? How are these suggestions brought forth (i.e., which characters represent military authority). What does this say about Wyndham's own view of military authority?

Essay Topic 2

Light is used as a metaphor for hope, freedom, and security throughout the novel. In what ways does the author use this metaphor? How does he show what this symbol stands for? Choose one instance of the use of light as a symbol. Explain the situation. What are the characters doing? How is the symbol used? What is light symbolizing? Why did the author choose light as this symbol?

Essay Topic 3

There are many situations in the novel that point out the human need for love and companionship. Bill and Josella become very close in a short time; a young woman offers herself to Bill because she fears he is lonely and thus will leave; Coker joins Bill; and Bill and the others constantly seek a community life. Why do humans in the novel constantly seek others? Do you think humans have an innate need for companionship? Why or why not? How is this shown in the novel? What do you think the author was trying to say about the communities of humans and the need for society and social order? Do you agree or disagree with his thoughts?

(see the answer keys)

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