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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. Where does Conrad sign his name as Ulysses Grant?

2. What does Reba note to Tom that has changed in her appearance?

3. What Act will Roger be indicted under if he leaks the story of aliens to America?

4. What trait does Kreton say is endearing in Earthlings?

5. Which uniform does Kreton say he prefers?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Kreton's appearance.

2. Explain which powers the military plans to use, and why?

3. Aside from the politics of war, what does Powers complain will suffer as a result of this war?

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

5. Is Kreton well-organized? Why?

6. What does Powers tell Roger about the reality of the UFO, and why does he threaten to indict Roger under the Revised Espionage Act?

7. Why does Kreton have a difficult time explaining how long it took him to reach Earth?

8. What is Kreton's response to the question of whether his people are there to establish trade? Communications?

9. What are the reasons Ellen claims she cannot marry Conrad?

10. What plans do Ellen and Conrad have, and what are they planning to tell the others at dinner?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nationalism is another theme that is present throughout the play. How is nationalism represented in the play? What is the result of this nationalism? How does this affect the storyline? What does this mean for the characters? Discuss nationalism not only from the aspect of the characters, but of Kreton too. He relies on nationalism to help him achieve his plan. What is in his way? Why?

Essay Topic 2

What do you think Vidal was trying to say about the political situation of the world in the 1950s? Why? What are possible reasons for this? What was he trying to say about the U.S. government? About the Russian government? Be sure to be very specific in your answer, and include information from the book to back your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Kreton and Ellen represent dueling forces in "Visit to a Small Planet" and have a major impact on the lives of the other characters in the play.

Part 1. Compare and contrast the characters of Kreton and Ellen by the end of the play. How are these characters the same? How are they different? What changes do the go through as the play moves forward?

Part 2. What would the result have been if Ellen's character had not evolved through the play? Be sure to use information from the novel to discuss your answer.

Part 3. What are the motivations for the actions of each of the characters? Are these motivations similar or different? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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