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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. As part of the rechristening ceremonies, what will space corporation's rocket ship be renamed?

2. How long has Salo been stranded on Titan?

3. While cleaning his rifle in the barracks, Unk has a vision of three beautiful girls. What does Unk notice about the golden girl?

4. What does Unk mutter out loud as he sees his vision while cleaning his rifle?

5. Who is Beatrice?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ransom Fern's philosophy?

2. According to the hospital, what is the very worst thing that Unk can do?

3. What does Unk find particularly disturbing about Boaz and why?

4. How does Beatrice become penniless?

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

6. 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?

7. As "Cheers in the Wirehouse" opens, the reader learns that Malachi Constant is using the name Jonah K. Rowley. Why?

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

9. Who is Martin Koradubian?

10. The soldiers on Mars precisely execute their movements, such as halt or parade rest. What is unusual about their precision?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When we meet Malachi Constant, he is living alone. When Malachi's life ends, he is again alone. How have Malachi's character, goals, and attitudes changed from the beginning of the story to the end?

Essay Topic 2

Resentful that he has been manipulated by Salo, Rumfoord tries to con Salo into revealing the ambassadorial message that Salo had been trying to deliver when his ship had to make the emergency landing on Titan.

a. What is Salo's message?

b. How does the revelation of his message highlight the author's use of irony throughout the entire story?

c. Had Rumfoord learned the content of Salo's message earlier in the story, might his actions have been different? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 655 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample