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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 Roger report he needs to leave the house?

2. What is above the television in the study?

3. Why does Kreton claim he needs to lay down?

4. Where does the spaceship land?

5. What does Roger say is the only organism on Mars?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Kreton do to try and entice Conrad to join the fight?

2. Why is Powers upset he is in charge of the Kreton project?

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

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

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

6. Why is Ellen unable to lift the case with her mind the first time she tries?

7. Describe Kreton's appearance.

8. What are the limitations placed on the Speldings as a result of Kreton's presence?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the play, Conrad plays the role of a pacifist throughout most of the scenes. However, when faced with a man having sexual thoughts about his girlfriend, he becomes violent. What does this say about Conrad's character? About pacifism? Is he truly a pacifist? His reasoning is that everyone, at some point, loses control, but that this doesn't make them naturally violent. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In the play, martial law is declares as part of security measures. Discuss the following in terms of martial law in the play:

Part 1. Who declares Martial law in the play? Why? What is the purpose of martial law in the play?

Part 2. What are the consequences of such a declaration on the inhabitants of the Spelding household? On Conrad? On Kreton? On viewers of Roger's broadcast?

Part 3. Do you think martial law is fair to innocent individuals such as the Speldings? If so, what are your justifications? If not, what would your alternate solution be to keep from having international panic?

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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