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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 name does Jack note at the reading of his last rights?

2. What is marked on the buttons of Jack's suit?

3. What does Johann beg Leibniz NOT to continue?

4. White is arrested upon whose authority?

5. How many goldsmiths are sworn in at the trial?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Daniel decide to tell Eliza about in his letter?

2. What evidence does the Clubb find to expose Bolingbroke and White as counterfeiters?

3. What advantage did Dappa have in the duel, and why might White have also let him win?

4. Why does Jack throw his gold buttons, coins and clothing out into the crowd?

5. Describe the security measures at Westminster Abbey and what they are protecting.

6. What is the procedure for testing the gold guinea samples?

7. Why does Bob Shaftoe mention his brother as though Jack is still alive?

8. Describe Sir Isaac's illness.

9. What does Jack question most about his life? What was the decision that might have led to a different life for him?

10. What is the significance of the cheering public throwing coins at Jack in his cell?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 699 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample