Seveneves Quiz

Take our free Seveneves quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. Determine which chapters, themes and styles you already know and what you need to study for your upcoming essay, midterm, or final exam. Take the free quiz now!

When Moira refers to Dr. Dubois as a "Cheerleader for the Ark," he struggles to suppress anger. Why? (from Section 3, Chapters 7—9)

Because Moira is right. The President sent Dubois up because the public knows—and trusts—him to tell the truth, but Dubois knows he must tell some lies to preserve order on Earth.

He resents the attack on his maleness.

Moira doesn't respect his genuine intelligence.

He's angry in general to be separated from his wife and children, who will die on the ground without him.

Why are the Red faction (descendants of those who broke away from the Cloud Ark) so solicitous of the Diggers? (from Section 5, Chapter 13—Epilogue)

To make up for destruction—via ocean floor strip-mining—wrought upon the Pingers (Old Earth undersea survivors, descended from nuclear submarine commander Cal Blankenship).

They wish to reap the rewards and accolades for making first contact.

The Diggers have iron reserves much needed in habitat-ring construction.

Because all Reds are descendants of Rufus MacQuarie.

Why does space entrepreneur Sean Probst risk his and his crews' lives by embarking on the Ymir mission to capture comet "Greg's Skeleton"? (from Section 4, Chapters 10—12)

If the mission succeeds, the comet will supply nearly limitless water from which to produce propellant and drinking water, something no government has thought of.

To use the water supply as a bargaining tool.

To establish a colony apart from the Cloud Ark.

The water will fuel his own Mars mission.

NASA's Public Relations people label the largest lunar remnants with "cute" names: Mr. Spinny, Peach Pit, Big Boy, etc. Why? (from Section 1, Chapters 1—3)

The names are easier for authorities to remember than technical designations.

NASA views civilians as uneducated and in need of coddling.

President Flaherty ordered them to.

To humanize the very objects that will destroy earthbound humans, and reduce fright—especially in children.

When Hard Rain (destruction of Earth's surface) begins, why does new Cloud Ark commander Markus Leuker declare PSAPS, the space equivalent of martial law? (from Section 3, Chapters 7—9)

He's following vital Earth protocol.

There is an onboard faction ready to seize control of the Cloud Ark.

Dissolving old national alliances will bring together the Cloud Arkers, and prepare them for an extremely hazardous future.

He's paranoid and wants control during the chaos.