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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. What does Nathaniel suggest that people might be desperate enough to burn in the wake of a global computer failure?
(a) Their old issues of the New York Review.
(b) Their designer clothing and shoes.
(c) Stacks of money.
(d) Their children's elementary school artwork.

2. Which of the possible consequences of a global computer failure that Nathaniel mentions could be considered foreshadowing?
(a) The idea that people might be trapped in high-rise elevators.
(b) The idea that hospitals might not be able to monitor patients.
(c) The idea that widespread food shortages might occur.
(d) The idea that airplanes might lose their guidance systems and crash.

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

4. What do Rose and Isaac ask Lucien to do when he calls Nathaniel after Nathaniel arrives in New York?
(a) Not tell Nathaniel that they asked Lucien to call.
(b) Get Nathaniel a job.
(c) Find Nathaniel a place to live.
(d) Tell Nathaniel to go back home.

5. Where did Nathaniel live before he moved to New York?
(a) California.
(b) The Southwest.
(c) Minnesota.
(d) The Midwest.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which character works for Itami Systems?

2. Why is Lyle sad all of the time?

3. From the story's context, when must Charlie have died?

4. What does Lucien end up saying to his assistant on page 8 when he wants to give her a piece of advice?

5. What ridiculous detail does Nathaniel give in his description of the last months of 1999?

(see the answer key)

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