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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 1: "Nathaniel Recalls the Miracle" through "Home.".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. To whom does Nathaniel imagine telling the story of the Y2K computer issue?
(a) His grandchildren.
(b) His readers.
(c) A historian.
(d) His children.

2. How are Nathaniel and Lucien related?
(a) Nathaniel is Lucian's cousin's son.
(b) Nathaniel is Lucien's nephew by marriage.
(c) Nathaniel is Lucian's son-in-law.
(d) Nathaniel is Lucien's brother's son.

3. What made tears come into Nathaniel's eyes the first time he saw Matsumoto's loft?
(a) The art on the walls.
(b) The Jacuzzi in the bathroom.
(c) The flat-screen television.
(d) The view from the terrace.

4. What does Nathaniel say history teaches us?
(a) There are too many variables for humans to be effective at thinking ahead.
(b) If we do not study the past, we will inevitably repeat unhelpful patterns.
(c) Systems and institutions favor the powerful by their very nature.
(d) Great people rise to prominence regardless of their circumstances.

5. What does Nathaniel do with his spare time that his parents find worrisome?
(a) Skateboards.
(b) Sings in a band.
(c) Draws comics.
(d) Goes rock climbing.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Nathaniel suggest that people might be desperate enough to burn in the wake of a global computer failure?

2. Where did Nathaniel live before he moved to New York?

3. Of all of the things that Nathaniel can see from Matsumoto's loft, which is most important to him?

4. What does Nathaniel say that ceremonial occasions remind us about?

5. Besides their minimal rent, what task are Nathaniel and his roommates performing in exchange for a place to live?

(see the answer key)

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