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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. Which of the following is NOT suggested as being at the narrator's left hand at the story's beginning?

2. Who is the next youngest member of the crew?

3. What deity's name is used in the exclamation of the mysterious man on hearing that the narrator is the ship's captain?

4. What is the chief mate notably wearing when the captain decides he must show himself on deck?

5. What shape is the captain's stateroom?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the reader introduced to the Sephora? Is there any indication of the importance of the ship in the beginning of the story?

2. Based on the author's interpretation of the situation, does the captain feel confident about taking the ship dangerously close to the islands? Why or why not?

3. How does the captain describe the chief mate's confusion over the presence of a scorpion?

4. Why does the captain choose to take Legatt to his quarters rather than the brig or the crew's quarters?

5. Why does the captain remain emotionless and unexcitable throughout his and the skipper's conversation? Does it work?

6. Why is the captain's quarters comfortable enough for both grown men? Where do each of the men retire? What does this demonstrate?

7. How does the skipper feel about Legatt? Why was Legatt on board the Sephora?

8. Where is Legatt discovered by the crew of the Sephora with the murdered man? What happens when they found?

9. Why does Leggatt say that it is wonderful the captain understands his plight and desires?

10. How do Legatt and the captain communicate with each other? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As a first person narrative, little information is given definitively on the deeper consciousnesses of those besides the narrator; thus, the reader must exegetically abstract the personality of others through their related actions and words, without access to their thoughts. Thus, construct a thoughtful essay analyzing the significance of the character of Leggatt by consideration of his actions and words throughout the story. What is his general disposition to his predicament? What particular actions demonstrate this disposition? How does he conduct himself as a fugitive? What personality traits does he display through his actions and words? What is his evident opinion of the incompetent? What is his overall significance to the story?

Essay Topic 2

Oftentimes, a character given limited attention in the text of a fictional work nonetheless plays a vital role to the plot and meaning of a story, such as Captain Archbold in The Secret Sharer. Compose an essay examining the significance of the Sephora's skipper, as he is presented through the unnamed captain's narration. What are the primary motivations of Archbold, generally speaking? How does he perceive right and wrong? How does he comport himself as a leader? What role does he play in the overall significance of the text?

Essay Topic 3

In the last sentence of the book, the captain narrates that Leggatt "had lowered himself into the water to take his punishment." Compose an essay which carefully examines the manner in which Leggatt is punished. The captain helps the other man - but to what end? Does it seem a fitting punishment for Leggatt to be marooned, stranded, and cast into another society? Is this punishment enough? Is it too much? What were the available alternatives of punishment that might have awaited him in England? What good will such a punishment do?

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