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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. In the playroom of Nell's apartment building, what happens to the children who steal Nell's book?

2. What is the function of Source Victoria?

3. In "Hackworth's Morning Ruminations," what happens to ensure that Hackworth cannot change his mind about carrying out his secret plan?

4. Why is Lord Finkle-McGraw unable to view the Primer when Hackworth gives it to him?

5. During their lunch, what option does Lord Finkle-McGraw offer to Hackworth in exchange for keeping quiet about Hackworth's illegal activities?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Judge Fang Pays a Visit to the Celestial Kingdom," why is the conversation between Judge Fang and Dr. X vague and inconcrete?

2. Compare Judge Fang's treatment of the young boy on trial in "A Young Hooligan before the Court of Judge Fang" with his treatment of Bud earlier in the novel.

3. At the gates of Dovetail in "A Morning Stroll Through the Leased Territories," what special skill from the Primer does Nell use to gain the trust and respect of Constable Moore, who guards the town?

4. In "More Tales from the Primer," what is the significance of the story of Belle, Dojo, and Dinosaur?

5. In "Nell's Further Experiences with the Primer," how does the Primer reveal its ability to empathize with Nell and adapt to her needs?

6. In "Hackworth Receives an Unexpected Visit from Inspector Chang," how does Chang exhibit Confucian ideals in his dealings with Hackworth?

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

8. 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?

9. What is the significance of Hackworth's actions in "Hackworth Compiles the Young Lady's Illustrated Primer?"

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the motives of Lord Finkle-McGraw and Hackworth in working to procure Primers for the little girls they love.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the fabric Harv found by the sea and brought home to examine with Nell. How is the woven fabric a metaphor for the Confucian lifestyle? How is the low-quality plastic fabric created by matter compilers representative of the Thete lifestyle? Discuss the irony of the Victorians' preference for handmade woven fabric over that created by matter compilers.

Essay Topic 3

In "The Diamond Age", Confucianism is portrayed as a philosophy involving decentralization and democracy, while Neo-Victorianism is portrayed as a philosophy involving centralized control and a hierarchy of status. Compare and contrast these two philosophies.

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This section contains 1,110 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample