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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 does Kramer suggest was psychologically wrong with Traub?

2. What does the term “gentle” mean in the era in which the Yale team are?

3. How much clearance does the machine require on all sides?

4. About what does Kate warn Marek and Chris?

5. What does Kramer say about Deckard not returning?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who comes through the side door from the Abbot's quarters and what is she doing?

2. What does Gordon explain about the nav button Sue Gomez carries?

3. How does Marek react to Chris and David's decisions not to go on the mission?

4. What does Marek notice about the doors as they descend, and what does Gordon explain about them?

5. What does Gordon explain to David about the reconstitution of the travelers?

6. What happens almost immediately to Gomez and Baretto in the chapter “Castelgard”?

7. What does the maid explain to Chris about Lady Claire?

8. How does Chris take the traveling?

9. What does Claire do just as Chris is being led off for a bath?

10. What horrifies Kate about the entire travel concept?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

a. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

b. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Timeline, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

c. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Timeline. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Chris finds fault with everything about the evening, particularly Kate's stockbroker friends from New York who keep asking ignorant questions about the dig site. For their benefit, Marek explains how under the feudal system, powerful lords provided the social order which had been lacking throughout the dark ages. The medieval era was a time of cultural and economic growth. Yet the Hundred Years War between England and France also caused great bloodshed and strife.

a. What do you think are the reasons Chris is finding fault with Kate’s friends?

b. Do you think the feudal system was beneficial to the people of the middle ages? Why or why not?

c. Discuss some examples of how the Hundred Years War caused so many problems in England and France. Use examples from Timeline to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 937 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample