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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 is the small vessel, the Badger, designed to do?

2. Why is there no manual override on the Odyssey so that the rocket launch might be stopped?

3. What type of watch does Pitt wear?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What initially happens after Dirk and Dahlgren board the Odyssey?

3. What happens to the Narwhal?

4. What ultimately happens to the Koguryo and to Lee?

5. Describe the final scene with Dirk and Sarah.

6. What information do Dirk and Summer share with the authorities in Chapter 41?

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

8. How does Pitt Sr. escape the sinking Odyssey platform?

9. Describe Dirk Jr.'s feelings as he watches the launch from the Odyssey in Chapter 59.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

A good villain can make or break a story. Evaluate Kang - his nature, his mind, his strategy, his tactics, and his temperament as he relates to the story. Discuss in detail his "psychological profile," citing specific incidents or quotes that support your findings. Discuss his relationships with both his henchmen and the story's protagonists. Determine and discuss his effectiveness as a villain as he serves the story.

Essay Topic 3

Black Wind is chock-full of familiar characters. Even if one has never read any of Cussler's Dirk Pitt novels, the reader will recognize many archetypes - the hero(s), the villain, the mentor, the deceiver, etc. Looking at the novel as a whole, select five characters. For each character, (a) compare them to other similar characters in fiction - other heroes, other villains, etc.; (b) evaluate how creative Cussler has been in breathing new life into these familiar types.

(see the answer keys)

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