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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. Why does de Kere resent the Professor?

2. Who is Sir Guy de Malegant?

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

4. What protocol does Doniger say Johnston violated?

5. What does Chris say he is to Sir Daniel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What helps Chris to relax a little at site when they arrive?

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

3. What does Diane Kramer prohibit Victor from doing, and what is his response?

4. What does Stern explain to the others while they are riding to Black Rock?

5. What is the first defensive weapon Gordon gives each traveler?

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

7. What happens to Doniger in the end?

8. Why is Marek dismayed that Chris picks up Sir Guy's glove?

9. What good news/bad news does Diane Kramer give Doniger?

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

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

Discuss the following:

a. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

b. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

c. Which three secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

d. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

a. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Timeline.

b. Trace and analyze one major theme of Timeline. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

c. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Timeline. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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