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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Aubrey plan to grab to save Maturin?

2. How does this acquaintance help the Surprise?

3. What does Surprise do at Juan Fernandez Island?

4. What does Mrs. Horner ask of Maturin?

5. How does Aubrey get updated information about the ship he is chasing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Far Side of the World belongs to the historical novel genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the historical novel genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a historical novel and a historical novel mystery?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Far Side of the World and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Far Side of the World is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 2,482 words (approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample