5. There has only been one materialization in which a spectator was invited to witness the event. Since this particular materialization, what has Beatrice done?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did the invitation to witness the materialization say regarding the relationship between Malachi and Winston? Why is this odd for Malachi?

2. What is United Hotcake?

3. What functions do the antennas in the soldiers' brains serve?

4. When the reader is first introduced to Ransom K. Fern, the reader learns that he will be quitting his job. Why does Ransom K. Fern quit?

5. As the story begins and the next materialization is about to occur, the police inform the crowd that the materialization has already taken place a few blocks away. Why?

6. When Malachi greets Winston during the materialization, Malachi experiences an unfamiliar feeling and starts to feel panicky. Why?

7. Why is Malachi flying his own helicopter as he approaches the headquarters building?

8. What do the flags flying in front of the army barracks signify?

9. Why does Malachi send offensive letters to Beatrice?

10. How does Ransom's philosophy actually help him in business?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The materializations are Rumfoord's method of keeping tabs on the events taking place not only on Earth, but on Mars and Titan as well.

a. Compare and contrast the materializations on Mars and on Earth.

b. Do Rumfoord's roles on each planet affect his materializations?

c. Are his roles on the two planets affected by his materializations?

Essay Topic 2

The Martian attack was doomed from the start. Compare and contrast the armies of the Earth and Mars. Be sure to include weaponry used, strategies employed, troop strength, and emotional investment in the fight. Was there anything that the Martian troops could have changed to positively affect the war's outcome? If so, what?