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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 Conrad note Ellen can do at the same time as making love?

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

3. What does Conrad use as a name for hotel reservations at the Jefferson Davis?

4. What does Reba note Ellen must do before marrying Conrad?

5. Where does Conrad sign his name as Ulysses Grant?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened when Conrad and Ellen tried to check into a hotel?

2. Why is Reba concerned about the marriage of Ellen and Conrad.

3. Why does the fight excite Kreton?

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

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

6. Kreton makes a comment about why humans are odd when it comes to sex being taboo. Explain his opinion.

7. What does Kreton do at the end of the Act that show his intentions?

8. What topics are discussed by Kreton and Rosemary?

9. Explain why Kreton knows being found by Delton 4 would be difficult.

10. Why does Kreton view his race as superior?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a scene in the play in which Kreton is served breakfast by Ellen, which consists, in part, of bacon. Answer the following in relation to that scene.

1. What is Kreton's reaction to the bacon? Why? What is Ellen's response? What does this say about Ellen's opinions of eating meat? What does this say about Kreton's opinions of eating meat? What was Vidal trying to say by having the "superior" creature refuse to eat meat? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Kreton explains that his race is superior to humans, in that they no longer have passion. Discuss your thoughts on his statement. Does Kreton seem superior to you? Why or why not? What benefits do emotions have for humans? Are there any downfalls? What would life be like without passion? Is this an improvement? Why or why not? Be sure to include information from the play in your answers.

Essay Topic 3

In the play, Vidal references the standing political condition between Russia and the United States, often referred to as the Cold War. Choose one of the following to discuss.

1. Why do you think Vidal bases the novel on the Cold War fears of the United States military? What is he trying to say about the suspicious nature of both sides? What threats exist in such a suspicious environment, as is shown by the creation of hostilities by Kreton? What could such conditions result in?

2. Examine one specific comment in the play that refers to the feelings against Russians by the United States. Discuss the comment in terms of historical significance. What does such a comment tell you about the political situation in the time this play was written? What does the inclusion of such comments indicate in terms of Vidal's position on the Cold War? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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