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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 ask Ellen to do after discussing his dreams about them on a farm?

2. Why is Roger worried about the evening's broadcast?

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

4. What problem do Reba and Roger have with watching Roger's television appearance?

5. What power does Kreton have?

Short Essay Questions

1. Delton 4 promises to turn time backward, so that none of the events in the play occurred. What good things will thus be erased, as well?

2. Why does the fight excite Kreton?

3. What reasons does Kreton give for not explaining where his planet is, and what does he admit his species does not do, as part of the conversation?

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

5. What topics are discussed by Kreton and Rosemary?

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

7. Powers has an infatuation with laundry. Describe his conversation with Kreton about the topic.

8. Ellen accuses Kreton of being a vampire of emotions. Do you agree?

9. Kreton notes the best scientific discoveries, including the atom bomb, radar, and lunch meat, were all discovered during war. Is this true?

10. Do you think Powers should be directing any military action, knowing he has never been in battle? Why or why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kreton manipulates individuals throughout the novel in an effort to force them to create the world he originally envisioned when he envisioned Earth. Choose of the following manipulative situations to discuss.

1. Describe the situation where Kreton uses the thoughts of the aide to push Conrad into fighting. What was the aide thinking? Why did this bother Conrad? Is the fact that Conrad tried to hit the aide proof that Kreton is correct that humans are naturally violent? Or was Conrad abnormally motivated to violence by Kreton's manipulation? Why? Be sure to support your ideas with the book.

2. Describe the situation where Kreton uses the fight between Conrad and the aide to convince Ellen to marry Conrad. What was the fight about? Why did this change Ellen's opinion of marrying Conrad? Is the fact that Ellen married Conrad only after his show of violence proof that humans are violent creatures? Or was Ellen abnormally motivated to marry by Kreton's manipulation? Why? Be sure to support your ideas with the book.

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, 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?

(see the answer keys)

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