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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 was the first man to see the abandoned ship?

2. What does Erasmus find when he goes to find his father?

3. What is the person who notices Erasmus' ship doing?

4. Which of the following does Erasmus think will be the source for him and Liverpool to prosper?

5. Who notices Erasmus' ship in Book Two, Part Nine?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Paris find in a shed near Timothy Owens' place? What is his reaction?

2. How does Mrs. Kemp change after her husband's death?

3. What problems do you foresee in the potential relationship between Erasmus and Sarah?

4. What is the relationship between Delblanc and Paris like in Book One, Part Six?

5. Describe Thurso's life prior to being a ship captain.

6. Explain "the sacred hunger". What is the narrator referring to by using that phrase?

7. Describe how the death of Mr. Kemp is discovered.

8. What conflict does Erasmus come upon in Book Two, Part Eight?

9. How does Paris' fair treatment of others benefit him in Book One, Part Six?

10. What decision does Erasmus make in Book One, Part Seven, following his father's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Liverpool Merchant is a significant part of Unsworth's story. What does the ship symbolize? What similarities can you give between the Ship and characters' qualities, or the events in the book?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

The concept of companionship is present throughout Unsworth's novel. What can readers learn about Unsworth's characters when they are in relationship with others? Be sure to cite specific examples.

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