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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 happens to Chris Gavin?

2. Who is described in Chapter 31 as a "fiery bantam?"

3. Who is the captain of the Chinese junk in Chapter 26?

4. What is the stated desire of the Japanese Red Army?

5. What is the intended purpose of the Odyssey?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Kang's true motivation for wanting the American military out of South Korea?

2. Describe what happens on board the command boat that is supposed to launch with the Odyssey in Chapter 40.

3. Describe Kang's role as he is revealed in Chapter 14.

4. Describe what happens to Robert Bridges in Chapter 7.

5. Why does Tanaka lie to Commander Ogawa in the introduction when Ogawa asks if his crew is in danger in the book's introduction?

6. How does Kang plan to use the Odyssey in Chapter 37?

7. Describe briefly the history of the use of Zyklon B.

8. Why do Sarah and the other scientists survive the same toxin that killed the two meteorologists in Chapter 1?

9. What do Dirk and Sarah surmise about the fishing trawler at the conclusion of Chapter 3?

10. What do Dirk and Summer discover has happened as they return from their exploration of the I-411 in Chapter 27?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In an action novel, it might be tempting for the reader to skip over the "boring" parts to get to the "good parts." How well do the Cusslers perform the writer's task of pacing a novel? Discuss the pace of the novel, noting if it is successful in keeping the reader engaged through the "slow" parts, and whether or not the action sequences are well-staged and understandable. Use specific sections or setpieces in the novel to support your contentions. Note, too, any tricks of the writer's trade the Cusslers employ to keep the pages turning.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the way Cussler structures his plot. Is he a "formula" writer? If so, what "formula" does he use? Analyzing the book as a whole, compare the book to other books or movies in popular culture. Since the Dirk Pitt books are considered a series or "franchise," compare them to other series or franchises. In your discussion, rate Cussler's work in Black Wind to any one entry in another series (we are assuming that Black Wind is the only Dirk Pitt novel you have read.) Compare and contrast heroes, villains, plots, etc.

Essay Topic 3

The theme of destruction for personal gain runs throughout the novel. Looking at the book as a whole, discuss how substantive this theme is, evaluating whether or not it is compelling enough to support the weight of the whole book. Identify several incidences in the plot that support this theme and evaluate how effective those incidents are in holding the story together.

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