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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. Who is the protagonist in this story?

2. Who meets at the bottom of an old barge?

3. Who reveals her interest in Erasmus?

4. Why does Calley end up on the Ship?

5. Which of the following books reminds Paris of his past?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Thurso not want his crew members to mistreat any of the men on the Ship right away?

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

4. Why does Erasmus not like Matthew Paris?

5. Why was Paris imprisoned?

6. What is the relationship between Kemp and Saul Thurso like?

7. Describe Paris' last night on shore before boarding the Ship.

8. Describe what happens in Book One, Part One, when Erasmus gets to the Wolperts' home.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Unsworth uses a great deal of imagery in his book. What specific examples of imagery did Unsworth include in his book? How does that imagery add to the reader's experience of the story?

Essay Topic 3

Which character in Unsworth's book is most likable? Why? Which character do you like the least? What is it about that particular character that causes you to dislike him or her?

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