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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 does Bill learn Coker did at the University?

2. Where are Susan's parents?

3. What does Dennis build to help him make it into town?

4. Who does Bill find at the cottage?

5. What does Bill load up on at the beginning of Chapter Nine?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Shirning Farm.

3. Explain Coker's argument about why the young woman at Tynsham is at fault for not getting the lights back on.

4. Describe what occurs to the young woman at the end of Chapter Eight, and Bill's thoughts of her.

5. Why do you think the small groups located by helicopter in Chapter Twelve choose not to join other groups?

6. Explain Josella's fears about her wedding.

7. Describe Bill's view of loneliness.

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

9. Describe the three people Bill and Coker meet in Beaminster.

10. Describe how Coker came to remain sighted.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, only one child, Susan, is really examined in depth. Her reactions to the horrors that surround her seem muted in that she seems to be curious, but not afraid. Do you think this is representative of a child after a crisis? Why or why not? Do you think her curiosity outweighs her fear? Why is this true for children more than adults? What do you think the result would have been had Bill not located Susan? What do you think Susan's reactions say about the resiliency of children?

Essay Topic 2

In the novel, there are several small communities that are introduced, including those of University Tower, Tynsham, Shirning, the Isle of Wright, and others. Describe at least two of these communities in detail. What are their beliefs about the role of women? About freedom? About morality? What are some of the social ideas presented within these communities? Which succeed, which fail, and why? Which society would you join? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, Bill and the others fight to retain their rights to their own lives. Before the crisis, Bill admits he lived for his job. What does Bill feel following the crisis? How does the crisis affect his outlook on life? In what ways is Bill forced to fight for his freedom throughout the novel? How does Josella fight for hers? What forces are trying to take away their freedom? Why? What do those individuals want with Bill and Josella? Is this fair? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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