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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. Why do so many crew members die in Book One, Part Seven?

2. Which of the following weapons kills Deakin?

3. Why does Erasmus marry a woman in Book Two?

4. Which character becomes ill with fever in Book One, Part Seven?

5. Who leaves the story in Book One, Part Five?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain "the sacred hunger". What is the narrator referring to by using that phrase?

2. What does Paris find in a shed near Timothy Owens' place? What is his reaction?

3. Do you find Thurso's action of throwing slaves overboard surprising? Why or why not?

4. How does the syntax change in Book Two, Part Nine?

5. How has Paris' life changed between Book One and Book Two?

6. What problems do you foresee in the potential relationship between Erasmus and Sarah?

7. What role does witchcraft play in this story?

8. Describe how the death of Mr. Kemp is discovered.

9. How does Paris' fair treatment of others benefit him in Book One, Part Six?

10. What decision does Erasmus make in Book One, Part Seven, following his father's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The concept of companionship is present throughout Unsworth's novel. What can readers learn about Unsworth's characters when they are in relationship with others? Be sure to cite specific examples.

Essay Topic 2

Unsworth uses a narrative point of view throughout his entire book. Why does he choose to write that way? What are the pros and cons of using that point of view in this particular story?

Essay Topic 3

Unsworth uses a great deal of imagery in his book. What specific examples of imagery did Unsworth include in his book? How does that imagery add to the reader's experience of the story?

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