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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 does the message say that the NUMA zoologist received against a microphone he is using to record fish sounds?

2. When is strict radio silence imposed for a US Navy submarine?

3. According to CDR Dupree's log, which compartment in the sub is the only compartment breached?

4. What does "bare steerageway" mean?

5. What unique feature of the Martha Ann's navigational equipment makes her totally crew-independent?

Short Essay Questions

1. Dirk sees no need to show up on time to his "date" with ADM Hunter (to report for duty). How is this reflective of both Dirk's personality and his attitude towards ADM Hunter?

2. CDR Dupree says he ordered, "All ballast blown and hard rise on the planes." What are planes in reference to a submarine?

3. What is a seamount?

4. How are the dead bodies described on the Lillie Marlene? How does this description contribute to the myth of the Pacific Vortex?

5. How does Adrian Hunter feel about her father? Use quotes from Chapter to support your position.

6. How does Dirk determine that Hunter's crew has been searching the wrong area?

7. "Perhaps Pitt could do the impossible after all." These words go through Boland's mind after he hears that Pitt is radioing the Martha Ann from the Starbuck. There are several other references throughout the book so far that indicate Dirk has a reputation for being the sort of person who makes the wildly improbable succeed effortless. Who else has said this and where is that perception originating?

8. What are some ways the Pacific Vortex is different from the Bermuda Triangle and other legendary danger areas?

9. What are the multiple ways that the Martha Ann is disguised as a civilian ship?

10. In the hotel bar in Chapter 3, Adrian makes the statement: "Considering your amateur standing and less than mediocre talents, you're vastly overpriced. Whom is she speaking to and what does she mean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the character of Captain Orl Cinana. Captain Cinana's reaction to Dirk when he arrives in ADM Hunter's office for the first time is somewhat markedly different from the attitudes of the others yet changes that same evening at the bar. Identify other inconsistencies in Cinana's character and identify how they fit with the revelation of Cinana's actual role in the plot.

Essay Topic 2

Everything in the submarine seems to indicate that someone is actively maintaining the vessel or at least "picked up afterwards." It seems an obvious inference that there might be someone still on the ship. Yet Dirk and LT March press ahead assuming it is a ghost ship. What might be some reasons for that? Psychological? Other evidence to the contrary? Stubbornness or at least reckless disregard for prudence?

Essay Topic 3

ADM Hunter refers to the sinking of the submarine Tang during World War II. This is a real event. What happened? What is the relevance to the fate of the crew of the Tang to the fate of the crew of the Starbuck in Hunter's mind?

(see the answer keys)

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