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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 do the submerged pontoons on board the Odyssey do?

2. Who is Dirk Pitt, Sr.'s wife?

3. What is the name of the multipurpose cargo freighter the Deep Endeavor searches?

4. Where are the remains of the rocket payload taken to for analysis?

5. What is the LASH system?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe what happens to the Zenit rocket after its launch.

2. What do Tongju and some of his closest soldiers plan to do after the failure of the rocket launch from the Odyssey?

3. Describe the end of Tongju.

4. What happens to Kwan and Kang's empire?

5. Describe the final scene with Dirk and Sarah.

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

7. What happens after Pitt Sr. and Al spot several ships in their surveillance system on board the blimp?

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

9. Describe how Kang attempts to salvage his plan after the failed rocket launch.

10. What does Tongju do with Dirk and Jack after their capture on the Odyssey, and what does he tell them?

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

There are two obvious "male buddy" relationships found in Black Wind. One is the relationship between Dirk Sr. and Al; the other is between Dirk Jr. and Jack. Compare and contrast these two relationships. How are they similar? How are they different? Which is more convincing and realistic? Why does Cussler emphasize these kinds of relationships?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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This section contains 866 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample