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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. Where does Thomas like to build fires while he lives on the island?

2. Where does Tom previously live with his mother and father?

3. How many times has Thomas been married?

4. Who kills the shark coming into the reef?

5. Which of Thomas' sons is the polite one?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Thomas meet on Queen Mary's birthday, and what do they do?

2. What does Thomas realize after the shark incident?

3. How do the boys feel after the shark is spotted?

4. How does Thomas say writing differs from painting?

5. What does Frank do with his flare gun on Queen Mary's Birthday?

6. What does Tom talk about as they head out for deep sea fishing?

7. How does Thomas feel about driftwood at the beginning of the book?

8. What does Eddy tell Thomas to take with him when he takes his boys out on the boat?

9. What happens when Roger's brother dies?

10. Why has Thomas chosen to live alone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Thomas endures many different trials before the end of the book. What are some of these trials and what lessons does he learn through these experiences?

Essay Topic 2

Despair was a theme that was placed in a number of sensitive places in this plot. What are some of these places, and what role does despair play in this book?

Essay Topic 3

What role does symbolism play in the story and where does it appear? How is the plot altered by the presence of these symbols?

(see the answer keys)

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