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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 type of watch does Pitt wear?

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

3. How long does the launch countdown for a rocket fired from a Sea Launch platform last?

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

5. Where do Tongju, Kim, and two other commandos plan to run after leaving the Koguryo?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Describe Ling's function on board the Koguryo.

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

7. How do Dirk Sr. and Al rescue Dirk Jr. and Jack from the Odyssey?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Looking at Black Wind as a whole, describe what you think the authors were trying to accomplish. Consider whether they were trying to make a statement about the current world situation, whether the book should be viewed as as treatise of good vs. evil, or if the goal was just to tell a rip-roaring adventure yarn. Do not limit yourself to these suggestions - place yourself in the Cusslers' shoes as Clive said, "OK, son, what do you want to do with this book?" Justify your answers in detail.

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