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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. How does Surprise end up on a mud bank?
2. What does Maturin learn about?
3. Maturin falls overboard by _____________.
4. How does this acquaintance help the Surprise?
5. What does Aubrey plan to grab to save Maturin?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
The Far Side of the World is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following.
1. What are a couple advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.
2. What are a couple disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.
3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.
4. Do you think it is easier, more difficult, or about the same to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.
Essay Topic 2
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 3
Choose one of the following to discuss:
1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Far Side of the World. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think O'Brian chooses the symbols he does?
2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think O'Brian chooses the metaphors she does?
3. Discuss O'Brian's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does O'Brian use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).
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This section contains 2,473 words (approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page) |
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