View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Hackworth believe it took two years to track down the location of the Primer?

2. In "Princess Nell in the City of King Magpie," how does a lesson from the Primer help Nell in real life?

3. Who is the mother of Nell and Harv?

4. In the Primer, the Dark Castle is guarded by whom?

5. How does the banker explain to Bud the penalties for missing payments on a line of credit?

Short Essay Questions

1. As explained in "Hackworth in the Hong of Dr. X," why does Dr. X have such an unusual name, and what is his profession?

2. Describe the emotional state of Hackworth in "Hackworth's Morning Ruminations".

3. In "Particulars of Nell's Domestic Situation," what happens when Harv brings home a scrap of woven fabric he found by the sea?

4. When Bud visits a mod parlor, what upgrade does he choose and what sort of technology is involved?

5. When Judge Fang and his associates visit the Leased Territories in "Judge Fang Visits His District," what do they learn about the two groups of mites that are patrolling the area?

6. In "From the Primer, the Arrival of a Sinister Baron," when Nell and Harv are abused by their mother's newest lover, Burt, how do both Nell and Miranda use the Primer to help Nell?

7. Describe Nell's early experiences with her Primer, as depicted in "Harv Brings Nell a Present."

8. Describe the birthday party of Princess Charlotte in "A Visit from Royalty," and explain how it further describes one aspect of nanotechnology.

9. In "Hackworth's Dilemma," what is Hackworth's dilemma?

10. In "Hackworth Departs from Shanghai," what special reason does Hackworth have for giving a copy of the Primer to Fiona?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the three Graces, as taught at Miss Matheson's Academy of the Three Graces? Why are the three Graces important? Why is the teaching of one particular Grace so difficult and contrary to its name?

Essay Topic 2

Who is the protagonist in "The Diamond Age"? Who is the antagonist? Is there more than one protagonist or antagonist? What are the qualities that sets each of them apart and suits them for their roles?

Essay Topic 3

What is the primary theme of "The Diamond Age"? Is the author more of a Confucian or Victorian at heart? What lesson would Neal Stephenson wish readers to take with them after reading his work?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,047 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample