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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 Jim learn his sailing skills?

2. According to the Frenchman speaking to Marlow, what does one not die from?

3. What is the name of the native chief that Jim will meet?

4. To whom does Marlow recommend Jim for employment?

5. How long does Jim clutch the tiller in an attempt to avoid being thrown off of the lifeboat?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the letter from Jim's father significant in explaining why Jim feels he can never go home?

2. When Cornelius sees Marlow shortly after Marlow's fight with Jewel, what does Cornelius ask Marlow to speak with Jim about?

3. While standing watch just before the captain and engineer begin yelling at each other, what is Jim thinking about?

4. In Chapter 20, Cornelius is characterized as a sniveling, spineless wretch. Why?

5. As Jim confesses to Marlow when he relates the story of the assassination attempt, why can Jim not imagine living anywhere but Patusan?

6. Why is Tamb' Itam reluctant to carry out Jim's orders to pursue Brown?

7. How does Brown learn of the situation in Patusan and why does it matter to Brown?

8. As Marlow prepares to return to the "real world", what does he know for sure?

9. Even though Jim feels unworthy and thinks of himself as a coward, why is he superior to many other men?

10. Marlow insists Jim take something with him on his journey. What is the object and why does the gift not work out as Marlow intends?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast how the character of Jim changes as the story progresses. Be sure to include your assessment of Jim's character when he is working as a water clerk, when he first meets Marlow, when he flees from the Patna, when he decides to relocate to Patusan, and when he confronts Doramin after Dain Waris' death. Use examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Marlow with Stein.

a. How are the two characters similar in terms of their professional lives? How are they different?

b. How are the two characters similar in their personality characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses? How are they different?

c. Looking forward, how might their experiences with Jim have affected each of these men as they moved forward with their lives? Would they be similarly affected or not? Explain your answers and your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

Both Cornelius and Gentleman Brown seek to do Jim harm. Compare and contrast these two evil characters. Be sure to discuss their motivations, character qualities, personal history with Jim, and tools at their disposal. Which of these two characters causes greater harm and/or heartache for Jim? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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