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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 Sir Isaac tell White has accused him of high treason?

2. How are the standard plates and sheets of the finest precious metals going to be used?

3. What is Jack wearing when he arrives at the hanging platform?

4. What does White spread rumors about?

5. What is inspected in case they have been made of gold and painted black?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Sir Isaac's plan to discover the location of the manufactured phosphorus?

2. What is different about the last moments Sir Isaac and Leibniz spend with each other?

3. What are the negative aspects and results of the coronation of the king?

4. Though torture is a punishment, does Jack gain anything positive from the experience?

5. How has Sir Isaac made many enemies for himself, according to Chapter 33?

6. What is White's offer to Jack, and how does Jack respond?

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

8. How does Daniel win Jack's loyalty in Chapter 13?

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

10. What is Catherine Barton's role during the trial?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Daniel deduces that Jack's actions are motivated by his love for Eliza. Can love really explain Jack's actions? What other motivations might have influenced his behavior? Use events from the book to illustrate.

Essay Topic 2

The Whigs and the Tories are the two biggest political parties in England at the time of the novel. Daniel tries to remain neutral in regard to politics, but how are his actions affected by the politics of those around him? Compare and contrast the two parties, using examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

How does the book's basis in factual science, knowledge, and events add to (or detract from) the value and enjoyment of the book? Explain how Stephenson introduces concepts that the reader might not be familiar with, analyzing specific examples from the book.

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This section contains 774 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample