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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 adjective does Kreton use to describe hydrogen?

2. What does Powers send his Captain to go do before he speaks to Kreton?

3. What is Ellen majoring in?

4. What does Roger tell Ellen to marry for?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Kreton states he envies humans for being imperfect. Why do you think he says that?

2. Is Powers' treatment of the aide justified? Why or why not?

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

4. Delton 4 says Kreton sees the world as his plaything. Do you think this is accurate?

5. What does Kreton's statement about the food Ellen brings indicate about his position on eating meat?

6. Why is Roger annoyed with Conrad and Ellen?

7. Explain where Kreton lives.

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

9. Why does the aide think of when his thoughts are broadcast? What is the result?

10. Why is Ellen upset with Conrad about a goat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Vidal suggests, through Kreton, that mankind is savage, violent, blood thirsty, and always ready for war. Do you think this is true? Why or why not? Based on the characters presented in the novel, do you believe Vidal portrayed his characters to agree or disagree with this notion? Why? Which characters represent an affinity for war, and which represent opposition to war? Why? Is Kreton correct in his assumptions, based on the character's actions, that humans are blood thirsty? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In the play, Kreton is treated by the government as property, and told he is to function as a weapon. However, Kreton admits he is a mammal, for all intensive purposes, and it is clear he is a living, thinking individual.

Part 1. Discuss how Kreton's ability to limit his emotions could help him function as a weapon of the United States. Conversely, without emotion, discuss how Kreton could function against his purpose as a weapon. Be sure to use elements of Kreton's personality as presented in the play in your answer.

Part 2. Do you think the use of a living, thinking mammal as a possession and a weapon is a moral thing to do? Why or why not? Be sure to include elements of the play in your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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