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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What does Kreton gather is unacceptable regarding sleeping arrangements?
2. What does Powers tell Kreton to do about taking over the world?
3. What has Kreton's race given up, along with the appendix?
4. Why does Ellen claim Conrad doesn't want to join the army?
5. Who is the aide thinking about when Kreton broadcasts his thoughts?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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 2
In the play, Kreton is treated by the government as property, and told he is to function as a weapon. However, Kreton admits he is a mammal, for all intensive purposes, and it is clear he is a living, thinking individual.
Part 1. Discuss how Kreton's ability to limit his emotions could help him function as a weapon of the United States. Conversely, without emotion, discuss how Kreton could function against his purpose as a weapon. Be sure to use elements of Kreton's personality as presented in the play in your answer.
Part 2. Do you think the use of a living, thinking mammal as a possession and a weapon is a moral thing to do? Why or why not? Be sure to include elements of the play in your answer.
Essay Topic 3
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?
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This section contains 395 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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