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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 is Delphi's transmitter that allows him to jam radio signals?

2. Who does Dirk go in search of before taking off in the helicopter?

3. Who wakes up Dirk after he reaches his hotel room and falls asleep after leaving the hospital?

4. What kind of shark meets Al as he speeds towards the surface with Adrian?

5. How many of "Them" are on the Starbuck according to SN Farris?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the scent of the eucalyptus oil explained? How does it support the theory of the seamount?

2. How does LCDR Crowhaven's attitude change from his frame of mind on the plane, once he is within sight of the submarine and Dirk lets him know that this is where he [Dirk] gets off?

3. Why does Dirk flood the Starbuck's torpedo compartment?

4. How does Pitt know that the Martha Ann is out of radio contact with the world?

5. Who or what is Selma Snoop?

6. What is Delphi's plan for the Starbuck?

7. What does Delphi say is his main objective? What does Dirk say is Delphi's main objective?

8. What happens during Dirk's final radio transmission from the C-5airplane before they touch down on the surface of the ocean? what does it mean for their rescue mission?

9. In both Chapters 9 and 10, Dirk endeavors to get his way by assuring the Naval men that he "will take full responsibility." Why does this seem to be the easiest way for Dirk to gain their compliance?

10. How do Dirk and LCDR Boland differ over how to wage battle against the men from the sea as they face impending attack on the Martha Ann?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pacific Vortex! is the first Dirk Pitt novel Clive Cussler wrote (even though it is published much later, after several other Pitt adventures) and indeed it shows signs of being a novice attempt. The character development is somewhat sporadic, there are questions or plot mysteries that are later left unanswered and some scenes that almost seem extraneous which are only loosely tied together by the final explanation. Characterize some of these "novice" elements using firm examples from the book. At the end, is there anything you wondered, "yes, but what about...?" How could Cussler have woven these plot threads or characters more tightly into the fabric of the story?

Essay Topic 2

Quote from CDR Burdette Denver: "Piracy on the high seas went out with the manufacture of cutlasses." Is this actually a true statement? Is piracy a possible or probable explanation for the Pacific Vortex? Provide evidence both from the book and from independent research to support your claims.

Essay Topic 3

"Willing suspension of disbelief" is a necessary frame of mind for any reader or viewer of fiction material. However, in spite of accepting certain fantastic occurrences, readers will often begin to resist small strains on their credulity. Why does this kind of resistance begin to build in the mind of the reader? Analyze the concept of "willing suspension of disbelief" and why it is necessary to enjoy the book. Analyze your own responses to "unbelievable" parts of the book.

(see the answer keys)

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