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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 friend does Maturin encounter on shore?

2. What happens to over half of the whales killed?

3. Who acts as Second Lieutenant?

4. Who is Higgins?

5. Why is Martin considered bad luck?

Short Essay Questions

1. What transpires in Aubrey's meeting with Admiral Sir Ives?

2. Why is Aubrey anxious and how are Maturin and Martin passing the time while Surprise is under repair?

3. What does Aubrey learn about Norfolk and how does his haste ultimately slow things down?

4. What does Allen say about how whales are used?

5. What does Martin decide about Maturin's condition, and what does Aubrey think?

6. What does Horner do to himself and how does the crew react?

7. Who fails to return to the ship and what is learned about them?

8. What is the outcome of Butcher and Martin's attempt to trephine Maturin?

9. Who goes ashore and who comes to meet the British and what is decided about Maturin?

10. What happens to Surprise, and where do they go to take care of the problem?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in Thirteen Gun Salute and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed? Which is more interesting?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Aubrey who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of The Far Side of the World and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of The Far Side of the World and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable? If so, which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Far Side of the World.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Far Side of the World. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Far Side of the World. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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