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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 Reba note to Tom that has changed in her appearance?

2. Who is in the living room at the opening of the play?

3. What nickname does the aide think of when he thinks of Powers?

4. What does Powers complain was dropped into his lap?

5. How long did it take for Kreton to reach Earth?

Short Essay Questions

1. Based on Kreton's comments to Powers about the impending war, does Kreton really plan to win for the United States quickly?

2. How does raising the rifles in the world help to start a war?

3. What does Powers see as the biggest problem in war?

4. Why does the fight excite Kreton?

5. Throughout the novel, Reba has been concerned about things other than an alien presence. What issues have been of concern for her?

6. What topics are discussed by Kreton and Rosemary?

7. In the end of the play, who is (are) the only character(s) who end(s) up being selfless?

8. What is Roger afraid Kreton truly represents? What is Kreton's reply to this?

9. Kreton notes that war is the specialty of humans. Is this true?

10. Describe the spaceship, as it is explained by the aide.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the play, Kreton admits his race no longer has sex as a result of the immortal status. What does this mean for his race, in terms of personal relationships? Do you think relationships would be as rewarding without sex or passion? Why? Could this explain Kreton's lack of moral behaviors? Why or why not? What would a lack of personal relationships do, psychologically, to an individual? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Set design is imperative in conveying a specific sense of time and place within any play. Choose one of the following to discuss.

1. Choose one particular room in the set design. Explain all elements of the set, including the props, and explain how those elements are used to describe both the time and the place of the play.

2. Go through each room in the set, and choose one piece in each room that, alone, could convey a sense of time and space. What is the element? How does it function as an indicator of time and space? What else could it represent?

Essay Topic 3

In the play, Kreton notes several times that humans are addicted to violence. Do you agree? Why or why not? What elements in society tend to perpetuate that viewpoint? What elements refute it? Why? Do you feel that our society is one of violence? Has the world become more violent since the writing of the play? Why or why not? What does this indicate about Kreton's statement?

(see the answer keys)

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