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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. As the Nautilus rounds Gibraltar, how far does Aronnax say they have traveled?

2. Where does Aronnax hope they are not heading?

3. What invitation does Nemo extend to Aronnax?

4. What causes Ned Land great despair?

5. How deep does the Nautilus have to descend to get away from the hurricane?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how Conseil recognizes Ned Land's restlessness.

2. Describe the light reflecting off the ice as seen from inside the Nautilus and the problem it creates.

3. Describe what Nemo does to the cachalots that are attacking defenseless whales.

4. Describe Aronnax's concern about making it to the Pole on time.

5. After testing how deep the Nautilus can go, describe what happens.

6. When the Nautilus gets stuck in the Great Ice Barrier, how do Aronnax and Nemo see things differently?

7. What goes on while Ned, Conseil, and Aronnax are escaping in the small boat?

8. Mention briefly the problem as the Nautilus leaves the South Pole.

9. Where does Aronnax finally come to?

10. Relate Ned's heightened anxiety after the battle with the giant squid.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on the necessity to suspend belief while reading science fiction. While submarines were possible in the 1800's, nothing like Nemo's Nautilus was even dreamed of. The amount of supplies in the Nautilus, the unspecified number of crewmen, and the advanced technological instruments should be included in your essay.

Essay Topic 2

Write a critique of TWENTY THOUSAND LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA. Mention the story line, the interest, the anti-war message, the incredible predictions, the use of dialog, poetic language, and any other technical aspects of the novel. End by making a recommendation to readers who have not already read the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on the importance of imagination for writing science fiction. Base your essay on the fact that Jules Verne was writing in the 19th century about scientific ideas that have been achieved remarkably similar to his imaginative novels of his day.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 798 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample