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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. Who catches Kerans and Riggs eyeing her in a bikini?

2. In Chapter 7, where has Kerans been secluded during this time?

3. What is described as the only true meeting ground for the remaining trio in Chapter 6?

4. What interrupts the quiet of the lagoon one morning in Chapter 7?

5. What does Kerans realize about the scenery he admired from his balcony?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of Kerans' indifference towards the drowned cities they visit?

2. What is the significance of Riggs' departure in relation to the remaining characters?

3. Why does Kerans hesitate to leave the comfort of his hotel suite on this particular day?

4. How is the earth portrayed differently in this book?

5. What does Kerans deduce about the men using alligators as "watchdogs"?

6. In what way are the flora and fauna evolving?

7. How does the novel address themes of environmental destruction and climate change?

8. How does the novel address the concept of evolution?

9. How does Kerans perceive the changing environment and the impending submergence of the city?

10. How does Kerans perceive his role after realizing the others are gone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the breakdown of society in The Drowned World reflect the breakdown of human civilization? What does this say about human nature?

Essay Topic 2

How does Ballard use the character of Dr. Robert Kerans to explore the theme of scientific progress in The Drowned World? What is the relationship between science and nature in the book?

Essay Topic 3

In The Drowned World, Ballard portrays a world in which the boundaries between human and animal, conscious and unconscious, begin to break down. Discuss the theme of metamorphosis in the book and its significance for the characters.

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