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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. How is Arnaut successful in bringing down the fortress?

2. What evidence does Johnston say is weak?

3. What do the orderlies notice about the new patient's shirt?

4. Why does Chris add fortifications to the model he makes?

5. What does Sophie do when she sees Chris get distracted and hit?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Marek say about the strategic importance of the Dordogne?

2. What is Chris' specialty in graduate school?

3. What does Wauneka show the Bakers that was in the old man's pocket, and what does Liz say about the drawing?

4. What does the MRI on Traub reveal?

5. Who helps Sir Oliver defend La Roque and what is said about him?

6. What does ITC require in order to accomplish its goals?

7. What does a young boy say about quantum foam?

8. What does Doniger order Gordon to have a security officer do?

9. What does the Professor believe ITC has done concerning the Dordogne site?

10. How do Chris and Stern inadvertently find a tower foundation, and how does Chris react?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

a. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Timeline. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Crichton chooses the symbols he does?

b. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Crichton chooses the metaphors he does?

c. Discuss Crichton's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Crichton use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

a. Fully explain why you think Timeline is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

b. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

c. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

d. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

The individuals who appear in the 14th Century are Kate, Chris, and Marek from another universe. They are nearly identical people, but they are not the same. The friends Stern knows have been irrevocably destroyed. The Professor, unaware of this technical detail, somehow seems to sense that he is not where he belongs. His comment about Marek living in a world not his own can be linked to a subconscious instinct that he, too, is out of his element.

a. How do you think Kate, Chris and Marek feel about being alive in a universe different from their own?

b. Do you think if you were in Stern’s position you would feel awkward around Chris, Kate and Marek? Why or why not?

c. Do you think the Professor is correct about his ideas concerning Marek? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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