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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What is Kreton's response to such concerns?
2. What does Conrad suggest to take over the world?
3. What finally causes Conrad to fight?
4. What does Powers claim he needs sixteen copies of from Kreton?
5. What does Kreton gather is unacceptable regarding sleeping arrangements?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Kreton argues that human beings are particularly adept at war, and that they specialize in it.
Part 1. Do you agree with Kreton? Why or why not? What makes us, as humans, good at war?
Part 2. Kreton also notes major scientific discoveries are found during war. Why is this true? What causes discoveries to be found during war? Does this argue for the use of war as a method of technological advancement? Why or why not? Would these discoveries have been made outside of war? Why?
Part 3. History is full of records of war. Why do humans engage in wars? What are some of the causes? Does this support or refute Kreton's position that humans specialize in war? Why?
Essay Topic 2
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 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?
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This section contains 501 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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