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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 does Ravenscar announce as victorious to the mob?

2. Who is Solomon?

3. Who does Solomon declare as the only two alchemists in the world?

4. Who does Roger Comstock want to expose to unify the nation?

5. What characters are attacked by would-be assassins in Hanover?

Short Essay Questions

1. Based on Sir Isaac and Daniel's debate about the Russians and the French, who do you think is more likely to be responsible for sabotage?

2. Detail some of the characters' actions and thinking in Book 6, Chapters 21-24 that leads them to make a mistake.

3. What are some striking examples of how Daniel's world operates under different rules and thinking than life today?

4. How does Daniel feel towards Dappa throughout their meeting in Chapter 13?

5. How do Eliza and Caroline confirm their suspicions that a spy is amongst them?

6. Describe how Thomas' invention works and how it would benefit the populace.

7. Why do Sir Isaac, Daniel, and Colonel Barnes think they are in danger in Chapter 27?

8. For what underlying reasons has a bounty been placed on Dappa's head, and how does Dappa respond to this?

9. Who is John Doe and how do his actions affect Daniel?

10. What is the main dispute between Leibniz and Sir Isaac, and what part does Daniel play in all of it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much of the debate and peril in the book surrounds the English monarchy and the rights to succession. Explain the tense political situation throughout the course of the book, and consider whether the characters are aware of the political peril they are in.

Essay Topic 2

Examine the ways Stephenson gives Jack the coinier consistent character and voice throughout the book and compare this with Partry's existence in the book. Were there clues to Partry's identity, or is his revelation a complete shock to the reader?

Essay Topic 3

In Daniel and Sir Isaac's time, patenting laws and intellectual property rights did not exist to protect inventors and natural philosophers. What problems do the characters run into with the threat of someone stealing their ideas, and how do they protect themselves? How do you think these disputes would be settled if they occurred today?

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