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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 is the magistrate in a foul mood about the King's coronation?

2. Who tells Daniel that many men aboard the Minerva perceive him as bad luck?

3. Who does NOT reside at Blenheim Palace, according to the Epilogue?

4. Where do White and Dappa meet to duel?

5. What happens when the gold guinea samples are melted?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is William Ham willing to assist Daniel and Saturn smuggle the Solomonic gold?

2. How has Dappa turned the tables on White by this point in the story?

3. What does Daniel decide to tell Eliza about in his letter?

4. What is Catherine Barton's role during the trial?

5. How does Daniel win Jack's loyalty in Chapter 13?

6. What is the procedure for testing the gold guinea samples?

7. What unusual occurrences has Jack experienced, and what is mysterious about them?

8. What is the significance of the cheering public throwing coins at Jack in his cell?

9. What happens to Jack, according to the Epilogs?

10. What is Sir Isaac's plan to discover the location of the manufactured phosphorus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the ways Stephenson gives Jack the coinier consistent character and voice throughout the book and compare this with Partry's existence in the book. Were there clues to Partry's identity, or is his revelation a complete shock to the reader?

Essay Topic 2

Many narratives foreshadow the conclusion of the story through subtle hints or blatant clues. Select an event in Book 8 whose outcome was hinted in earlier books or chapters, and examine the methods used to indicate what would happen later. Was the event in Book 8 ultimately a surprise to you?

Essay Topic 3

Daniel generates interest and investors for inventions throughout the book. Examine how good of a 'salesman' he is by citing specific examples from the text. How could he do better and be more convincing?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 712 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample