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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does Kreton show his mental powers to Ellen?

3. What does Kreton announce he has done at the end of Act II?

4. What does Kreton say space is like?

5. Who does Kreton trust with his secret of taking over the world?

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

What do you think Vidal was trying to say about the political situation of the world in the 1950s? Why? What are possible reasons for this? What was he trying to say about the U.S. government? About the Russian government? Be sure to be very specific in your answer, and include information from the book to back your argument.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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This section contains 365 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample