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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 Paul disguise himself as when he leaves the Kaladze area?

2. Where does Allison think their aircraft crashed?

3. What usual crop is often grown near bobbles?

4. What does Della say the Authority intends to do with the Tinkers?

5. What does Jeremy's family's business do?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Wili perform at the chess tournament, and what disadvantage does he face?

2. What is Wili's plan when he arrives at Paul's home?

3. What is the Authority's plan for the Tinkers?

4. How do Paul's and Mile's assessments of Wili's illness differ?

5. What types of advanced technology does Paul introduce to Wili?

6. How and why did the Red Arrow Battalion settle in America?

7. What is Avery's attitude towards the Tinkers?

8. What discovery causes the Authority to become more suspicious about the Tinkers?

9. Who was Sylvester, and what did he do for Wili?

10. What is the relationship between the Tinkers and the Authority?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Paul recognizes quickly that Wili has a deep love of knowledge, a trait that connects them, and which allows Wili's capabilities to grow rapidly under Paul's tutelage. This passion is a critical element of the story and plays an important role in the denouement.

1) Explain how Paul recognizes Wili's love for knowledge, and why this trait interests him.

2) Discuss the impact of this trait on Wili's development and studies; explain how it positions him to take over for Paul later in the novel.

3) Describe some of the other characters and groups who share this trait, and discuss how they are presented in the novel. Is a love of knowledge presented as a universal good, a mixed good, or in a neutral light?

4) Explain the importance some characters predict, near the end of the novel, that the love of knowledge will have.

Essay Topic 2

Kaladze is an important leader, and as a powerful independent force, both the Tinkers and the Authority attempt to maneuver him to their advantage.

1) Describe Kaladze as a character and a leader. Describe the nature of his settlement and the forces that he controls.

2) Discuss the interest Kaladze has in the conflict between the Tinkers and the Authority and how he initially sides himself. Explain how Paul and others are able to influence him to support the Tinkers' side.

3) Explain Della's attempts to manipulate Kaladze on behalf of the Authority. How does she attempt to control his actions, and what does she hope to cause him to do? Explain how successful Della's plan is.

Essay Topic 3

Mike is torn in multiple directions throughout the novel, and ends up betraying those who trusted him multiple times. In the end, he is unable to live with the consequences of his actions, and has himself embobbled to avoid the scorn of those he has wronged.

1) Discuss Mike's personality traits and background, and how these characteristics affect his loyalty and moral bearing.

2) Describe the reasons that Mike had for working with the Authority to betray the bioscientists. How did Mike feel about this betrayal?

3) Discuss Mike's relationship with and eventual betrayal of Della. What conflicting feelings does Mike experience during this relationship?

4) Explain Mike's perception of himself, and how it changes throughout the course of the novel, eventually causing him to have himself embobbled.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 933 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample