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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 first sign of an imminent rocket launch off the Sea Launch platform?

2. Why are Dirk and Summer sent to Korea on a government jet?

3. Who is commander of the Navy SEAL team searching for Kang?

4. What just about causes Pitt to pass out on board the Badger after the launch?

5. What does Dahlgren mistake for launch debris as the Icarus approaches the Odyssey?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What happens during the final showdown between Dirk and Kang?

8. What happens to the Badger upon the launch of the rocket from the Odyssey?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few ... or the one," Mr. Spock said. Throughout Black Wind, the heroes are put in situations where personal sacrifice is a possible course of action. Identify several incidents in the book where one or more of the characters took Mr. Spock's admonition to heart. Describe those incidents, the crisis that precipitated the incident, and the characters' response to it. Discuss whether or not sacrifice was actually called for or whether an alternative response would have been just as effective.

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

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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