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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. Before heading to meet the missionary, how many flights has Tuck flown outside of the continental United States?

2. How much money does the missionary offer to pay Tuck per week as the pilot?

3. How many Japanese ships did Vincent and his crew sink before the Sky Priestess was shot by a Japanese destroyer?

4. How much is the civil suit Meadow files for?

5. What position at Mary Jean's company does Tuck's visitor hold?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sarapul hate the Japanese guards on the island so much?

2. According to what the Sorcerer tells the High Priestess, why is their pilot stuck on Truk?

3. What does the pilot do when he misses the ship in Yap?

4. When Tuck is praising the student for being cautious when a visitor arrives to see Tuck during his recuperation, what does Tuck tell the student that Tuck's momma always used to say?

5. According to Tuck's visitor, why does Tuck need to board the plane and leave the country?

6. Why does the Sorcerer send instructions for his stranded pilot to head to Yap?

7. Describe the injuries sustained in the plane crash of the girl that is with Tuck.

8. Why does the telegram Tuck receives in his hotel room refer to staphylococci and research?

9. According to Sarapul, where did navigators rank in the old days?

10. According to Tuck, where do almost all of his missteps begin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Planning is an essential part of the story for several characters, as well as for the author to ensure that his plot moves forward. Identify instances in which Sebastian Curtis and Tucker Case plan for their final actions. Identify instances in which each of these men fails to plan well. What is revealed about each of these characters through their ability, or lack thereof, to plan? How is the strength of the author revealed in his ability to have his characters adequately plan?

Essay Topic 2

One of the main themes is this novel involves deceptive appearances.

a. Identify three characters that use deceptive appearances to further their interests.

b. Why do these characters rely on deception?

c. What is the outcome for these characters? Were they successful in their endeavors or would they have been more successful if they had not been deceptive?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the course of the novel, several of the Shark People's traditions are described. In fact, these traditions and rituals become central to the story, and are used by the Curtises to control the native people. Identify at least three different traditions of the Shark People that impacted the plot and the lives of the characters involved in the story. For each instance, describe the ritual, the characters involved, and how the tradition impacted the story's plot. How might the story have been different if these traditions had not been a part of the plot?

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This section contains 749 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample