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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Pitt mention to Kelly that spoils his speech?

2. How does Pitt know which way to go?

3. What does Pitt tell Sandecker when he arrives?

4. Who is in Sandecker's office when Pitt arrives?

5. What does Kippman tell Pitt and Sandecker?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the man in Sandecker's office and what does he tell Pitt?

2. What does Rondheim ask Pitt and and do he and Tidi handle the question?

3. What does Pitt see when he first wakes up after the poetry party?

4. What does Pitt do in order to get help?

5. Who is the pilot of the rescue vehicle and what did he bring with him?

6. What does the person at the hanger tell Pitt?

7. Where does Pitt go after their boating incident? Who takes him and how does Pitt feel about that person? Who does Pitt find?

8. Why does Rondheim recite the Rime of the Ancient Mariner? What is Pitt's reaction?

9. Where is Sandecker at the beginning of Chapter 20; who is with him; and what does that person say?

10. What lands near the Andursson's home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pitt is a consummate ladies man with few boundaries or shame, but he holds his friendships dearer than his desire for the beautiful Tidi. Pitt's loyalty to Sandecker runs deep, and it is obvious the old man considers Pitt to be like a son to him.

1. What do you think is meant by the first sentence above? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

2. Discuss in depth what loyalty to an individual means in terms of various relationships such as superior officer, friend, sibling, etc.

3. How do you think the fact that Sandecker considers Pitt to be like a son to him has been demonstrated in this book? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

While in the hangar, Pitt recognizes an old airplane, in excellent shape, an old Ford Tri-Motor known affectionately as the Tin Goose.

1. It was interesting the author threw in this brief account of this plane. Why could this be an example of foreshadow?

2. Here in the hanger is a plane which, because it was important enough to be noted, is probably going to come into use later in the book. Argue whether this information is a foreshadow or a narrative contrivance.

Essay Topic 3

Pitt's superior physical strength and abilities are demonstrated as he saves Hunnewell's life on the iceberg.

1. Do you think Cussler's portrayal of Pitt is unrealistic for any human? Why or why not?

2. How do you think Pitt was able to develop his strength and abilities? Use examples from the book and/or real life to illustrate your answer.

3. Do you believe the incident with Pitt and Hunnewell, with Pitt saving Hunnewell is a demonstration of why most women would not do well in these types of military positions? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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