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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. How do the other missionaries on the voyage to Hawaii feel about Abner?

2. What happens after Abner delivers Urania Hewlett's baby?

3. What is one reason that the sailors sail back to their original island during Chapter 2?

4. Why does Abner Hale marry Jerusha Bromley?

5. What body of water serves as the setting for the opening section?

Short Essay Questions

1. By the time the island emerged again and developed into a lush paradise of unique foliage, ready for discovery, what was the one thing lacking that human explorers would need?

2. What is Abner's reaction when the crew of a docked whaling ship go on a rampage through the settlement, sacking the homes of Hawaiians and raping their women?

3. In Chapter 1, what natural feature does author James Michener describe as dwarfing all others on Earth, and why?

4. What were likely to be the earliest living creatures to visit the newly formed island in Chapter 1?

5. How could new plants and life forms reach an island as isolated as the one described in Chapter 1?

6. The Alii Nui, Malama, dies, and her daughter Neolani becomes the new Alii Nui in her place. What is Malama's dying wish, and do Malama's family members and Abner honor it?

7. Nine years later, Abner is delighted to learn that his oldest son, Micah, is returning to Hawaii as a minister. But when he meets the ship, he learns that Micah has married the daughter of Neolani (and granddaughter of the old Alii-Nui, Malama). How does Abner react to this news?

8. Is the formation of a new island a quick process? Why or why not?

9. Malama wants to study how to read and write in English. Abner Hale wants her to learn about God first. How is this impasse resolved?

10. What does King Tamatoa plan to do about his conflict with the powerful and dangerous high priest?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In his secret journal, missionary Immanuel Quigley wrote: "The Hawaiian is destined to diminish year by year, dispossessed, distraught and confused." In regard to that passage, his descendant Elinor Henderson states that Quigley "...said that we Christians had invaded the islands with the proper God but with an improper set of supporting values. It was his conviction that our God saved the islands, but our ideas killed them. Particularly the Hawaiians." Do you agree or disagree with this view? Explain why, and support your opinion with examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

In the 1950's, Elinor Henderson (descendant of missionary Immanuel Quigley) refers to Kelly Kaanakoa and the Hawaiian people as "The Dispossessed." When he protests that he has everything he wants, she retorts: "You don't have your islands. The Japanese have them. You don't have the money. The Chinese have that. You don't have the land. The Fort has that. And you don't have your gods. My ancestors took care of that." Evaluate the fairness or unfairness of her statement, in light of the book's events.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast how well or poorly the following characters dealt with change, during their lifetimes: (a) Abner Hale; (b) Nyuk Tsin; and (c) Kamejiro Sakagawa.

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