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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 does Pitt do with one of Al's cigars as the Icarus hovers over Tongju's getaway craft?

2. How do those on board the Koguryo know something is wrong with the Odyssey?

3. Who is the platform launch manager of the Odyssey?

4. According to an engineer speaking to Ling, what is the angle of deviation on board the Odyssey prior to launch?

5. Who is the leader of the Navy SEAL team that attempts to locate Kang's ship?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Tongju's plan to take over the Odyssey?

2. What plan do NUMA and homeland security officials put into action in Chapter 43?

3. What do Dirk Jr. and Dahlgren do after the destruction of the Coast Guard ship?

4. What is the role of the USS Benfold in Chapter 63?

5. What happens to the blimp after it first takes off from the Odyssey?

6. What does a launch engineer tell Ling in Chapter 58, and what is Ling and Tongju's response?

7. How does Dirk Sr. try to foil the launch of the rocket from the Odyssey?

8. Describe the final scene with Dirk and Sarah.

9. Describe what happens after Dirk Sr. and Al spot the Badger tied up to the Odyssey.

10. What do Dirk and Summer plan to do after joining the Deep Endeavor in Chapter 46?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dirk Pitt, Jr., is the hub of several relational spokes. Dirk Jr. relates to his father, his sister, his girlfriend, his sidekick, even his enemy. Choose five of Dirk's relationships, and explore them by comparing and contrasting those relationships to each other. Evaluate how Dirk's relationship with each of them shows a different facet of his nature and personality. Explain how persuasive and believable these relationships are.

Essay Topic 2

Virtually all of Black Wind takes place either above, on the surface of, or under the sea. It is obviously an environment Cussler feels comfortable with. Discuss whether or not the sea itself could be considered a character in the book, whether it is benign or threatening, how the characters relate to it, and if the story be told in some fashion on dry land. Consider, too, if the sea could act as a symbol. If so, what might it be symbolic of?

Essay Topic 3

Evaluate Cussler as a storyteller. How effective is he at winding out a yarn? Can you evaluate his storytelling ability apart from his writing style, the believability of his characters, and the plausibility of the plot? If he were to ask your counsel, i.e. "How can I improve my storytelling?", what would you tell him? Consider his writing style. How would you define it? What about the elements of pacing? His ability to keep the reader engaged? To move readers to complete "just one more chapter?" Identify specific elements from the book that support your answers.

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