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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. How many individuals are in Bill's group?

2. Why does Bill argue Coker would be better with Beadley group?

3. What are the flame throwers used for?

4. Where does Bill go at the end of Chapter Twelve?

5. What does Bill learn on the fifth day of his slavery that worries him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain Bill's argument that an immediate need for harvest is not necessary.

2. Describe Miss Durrant's views, and her Tynsham community.

3. Describe how Joyce became poisoned and how she was saved.

4. Explain what Coker wants of the new sighted captives.

5. Describe the scene with the man in the inn at Steeple Honey.

6. Describe how Bill first discovers the plague, its symptoms, and its result.

7. Explain how Coker describes himself, and his abilities.

8. Explain some of the mishaps that befall Bill as he journey's to find Josella.

9. Explain how Coker meets with Bill again.

10. Describe Bill's view of loneliness.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Emergency Council of Britain proposes to establish military rule over the colonies of England and to force them into servitude for the masses. In short, the able are tasked to care for the disabled, even at the risk of their own health and welfare. Such a concept is somewhat socialistic in nature. Do you think such a plan is feasible or fair? Why or why not? Do you think Bill's farm could support so many individuals? Why or why not? Do you think the Emergency Council's concept that they need to be ready for other nations to attempt to over run England is realistic? Why? Why does Wyndham include such ideas at the end of the novel? What does the Emergency Council likely represent?

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

Throughout the novel, there is a consistent struggle between doing what is morally right and doing what is necessary for survival. Choose one representation of this struggle from the following list and explain it in detail. What is the conflict? Why is there a conflict? How is one path more morally right than the other? Can the moral path not lead to survival in some way and the survival path not be made moralistically right? Why or why not? Be sure to be specific in relating the struggle back to the novel.

• Married men at University Tower being forced to mate and care for two blind women, as well.

• The forced care of ten blind persons by one sighted person as dictated by the Emergency Council.

• The choice of saving the blind at Tynsham even at the expense of the sighted.

(see the answer keys)

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