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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 does Erasmus find aboard the ship?

2. What is the sacred hunger?

3. Who does Paris tell about his wife's death?

4. What is Temka Tongman doing when he sees the ship?

5. Who would Erasmus be working for if he accepted the job that he was offered?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you find Thurso's action of throwing slaves overboard surprising? Why or why not?

2. How does Erasmus discover the ship in the swamp?

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

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

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

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

7. Why does Mrs. Kemp deny that her husband committed suicide?

8. What is the Trionfi Club?

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

10. Explain the role of depression in Book One, Part Six.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of Erasmus and Paris. How are their lives different? How are the characters the same?

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

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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