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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. Where has Bill arrived at the beginning of Chapter Fourteen?

2. What saved Joyce's life?

3. What does Bill note about the sheep and cattle?

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

5. Where are Susan's parents?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain Josella's fears about her wedding.

2. Explain how Susan comes to travel with Bill.

3. Explain why the young woman comes to Bill in his room in Chapter Eight, and his reaction.

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

5. Explain how Coker meets with Bill again.

6. What was Coker's response to Miss Durrant's chastising of his brutal methods at University Tower?

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

8. Explain what Bill finds at Tynsham.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some would argue that the ending of the novel is a message to civilization about the dangers of the future, in that mankind, in the book, is doomed to live on a small island while attempts are made continuously to end the existence of man. On the other hand, some would argue that the ending of the novel is hopeful, in that mankind is left to rebuild itself, possibly in a more coherent and non-violent way. Which opinion do you agree with? Why? What is the overall message of the entire story? Do you think Wyndham's view of his own civilization is positive or negative? Why? Do you think this book was meant as a warning or as a message of hope? Be sure to use examples from the novel to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

What is the function of the triffid in the novel? How does the author seem to imply the triffid was created? What does this symbolize in terms of the culture of Wyndham's time? What was he trying to say about biological tampering and the creation of government-born viruses and mutations? Why was this a point at the time the novel was written? Be sure to include details from the book to explain your answers and to justify your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

The role of women drastically changes in the novel from pre-crisis to immediately following the crisis to long term. Explain this shift in roles. What were women prior to the event? How did that role change immediately following the comet? How did this again change when viewing long term goals of society? What is the new primary function of women in the new society? Does this differ greatly from the view of women prior to the catastrophe? In what way? Do you believe women could easily shift roles this way in reality? Why or why not?

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