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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 is a source of conflict for those responsible for building the ship?

2. Which of the following theories does Paris reveal that he believes in through a letter?

3. Which wildlife is seen in Book One, Part Three?

4. Whose blood is seen on the deck of the ship?

5. Who gives Erasmus permission to propose to Sarah?

Short Essay Questions

1. Name two men who are convinced to join the crew of the Liverpool Merchant at the last minute.

2. What good results from the slaves going aboard the ship, according to the narrator in Book One, Part Four?

3. Is Erasmus allowed to propose to Sarah? What happens afterward?

4. How does Erasmus feel about Sarah Wolpert in Book One?

5. Why does Thurso have James Wilson flogged?

6. What types of memories does Paris frequently dwell on when he is on the ship?

7. How does the reader gain an inside perspective of the death of Paris' wife?

8. How does Erasmus' role in the play reflect aspects of himself in real life?

9. How is Thurso characterized in Book One, Part Two?

10. Why does Erasmus dislike Henry Adams?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the purpose of a foil in literature? Describe one character in Unsworth's novel that you believe is a foil of another character. Why do you think that Unsworth may have created characters in his work that emphasize each others' qualities?

Essay Topic 2

Identify the concept of an antagonist. Describe how Erasmus can be described as the antagonist, and explain what makes him fit the description. Why does Unsworth decide to include Erasmus in his book? What does he represent?

Essay Topic 3

How would you describe the development of the relationship between Erasmus and Sarah? Why do you think that Sarah becomes attached to Erasmus? What benefits do both characters derive from the relationship?

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