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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Conrad claim he was up all night?

2. Why is Powers angry at the Pentagon?

3. What does Ellen do with the book in Act II?

4. Who does Powers note would not sit still for Kreton's overthrow of the world?

5. Why does Kreton claim his race is perfect?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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.

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This section contains 474 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample