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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. Where does Kang's ship plan to go after the rocket launch?

2. Who does the media initially assume is behind the attempted missile strike on Los Angeles?

3. Who reaches the Koguryo before it is able to fire on the Icarus?

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

5. Who does Lee realize has betrayed him in Chapter 62?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe Dirk's role with the SEAL team in Chapter 64.

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

5. What do Dirk Pitt, Sr., and Al do after they land at LAX in Chapter 48?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Black Wind, the good guys are uncomplicated, straightforward, untainted heroes; the bad guys are irredeemably bad. Choose three characters from each category, either heroes or villains. For each character, write an analysis. Include any nuances in each character you discover. For instance, note any elements of Dirk Jr.'s character that show him to be conflicted in any way; for Kang, note and discuss any positive traits. Also note whether Cussler has written two dimensional characters or characters with some depth. Evaluate whether or not his choices in characterization could have made for a better or worse novel.

Essay Topic 2

Two women play notable roles in Black Wind - Dirk Jr.'s sister, Summer, and his girlfriend, Sarah. Discuss the place women hold in Black Wind. Evaluate the Cusslers' ability to write convincing female characters, if they are stereotypical or something unique, and what part they contribute to the novel. Compare and contrast these two women, noting if they are more active or passive parts of the story.

Essay Topic 3

Black Wind was a father/son endeavor, written by both Clive Cussler and Dirk Cussler. Evaluate the effectiveness of this teamwork. Identify any shifts in plot or tone that might be due to a different writer. Speculate as to why Clive Cussler may have included Dirk Cussler in the project. Finally, evaluate why Clive Cussler might have inserted himself into the story, and whether that is a wise choice or not. For additional consideration, can you think of other books or movies where an author or filmmaker might have inserted themselves into a story or film as a "cameo?" Is that a novelty or vanity move, or can it enhance the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 900 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample