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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. Allison and Mike commandeer what type of vehicles?

2. What does Della strike Avery down with?

3. About how long has the Authority been in power?

4. What does Avery say the Tinkers would need to create their own bobbles?

5. What kind of a compound is the Authority enclave built into?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Avery lose control over the situation early in the battle with the Tinkers?

2. How does Wili predict where the embobbled tenement building will go?

3. Why does Paul decide to embobble himself?

4. How is Wili able to move safely through the dangerous neighborhoods around the embobbled tenement building?

5. What sacrifice does Jill make for Wili?

6. Why does Avery believe the Tinkers should be wiped out?

7. Why does Wili lose contact with Jill during the final approach to the embobbling position?

8. What new device do Paul and Wili create together?

9. Why does Wili decide to trust Mike?

10. What is Renaissance?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The bobbles are a defining element of the setting, and all the major events of the novel and of the history leading up to it are shaped by them. They represent a kind of super-weapon, superseding nuclear weapons, and allowing the Peace Authority to control much of the world.

1) Explain what a bobble is, how it is created and destroyed, and what its characteristics are.

2) Describe some uses for bobbles that are seen in the novel.

3) Explain how the Authority is able to control most of the world through their use of bobbles.

4) Discuss the impact that Paul and Wili's rogue bobble-generator has on the world and its political balance.

Essay Topic 2

Jill is a computer program created by Paul for both practical and sentimental reasons. At the height of the final battle between the Tinkers and the Authority, she allows Wili to escape while sentencing herself to almost certain capture and destruction.

1) Discuss the reasons Paul had for creating Jill. Describe her sentimental importance to Paul, and the functional role she fulfills.

2) Explain some of the behaviors Jill exhibits which suggest she has become more than a simple program. Additionally, discuss the reactions other characters have to these behaviors.

3) After Jill sends Wili away to complete the embobbling program herself, the other characters discuss whether or not she was fully sentient and whether her actions constituted a sacrifice. Cite evidence from the book and speculate as to whether Jill was independently intelligent, whether she had real emotions, and whether her destruction constitutes a real sacrifice.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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