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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 benefit would Thurso get for lost cargo?

2. Why are Blair and Inchebe arguing?

3. Who takes Calley back to the Ship?

4. Which of the following are being built constantly in Book One, Part Six?

5. What does the portrait that Delblanc has painted look like?

Short Essay Questions

1. Contrast the fort with the impoverished town that Paris visits in Book One, Part Six.

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

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

4. What sort of effect does Wolpert realize Erasmus has on Sarah?

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

6. How does Erasmus' relationship with Sarah change after Mr. Kemp dies?

7. Describe the story of the trees as told by Paris and Kenka.

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

9. What role does witchcraft play in this story?

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

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

There are several instances of irony in Unsworth's book. Identify at least one of those instances, and describe why Unsworth may have used irony when describing that particular situation.

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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