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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 the captain hear under the poop deck?

2. What does the author compare the riding light to?

3. For how long did the Sephora drift about Carimata?

4. Who is described as young, round-cheeked, quiet, and serious?

5. What word does the mysterious man use to describe the tone of the skipper when being relieved of his duties?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Legatt escape from the Sephora? How does the crew react? Why would they react that way?

2. How does the stranger report his former companions treating him after the murder?

3. How does the chief mate react to the perilous situation of the ship, and what does the captain do to him?

4. It is clear what purpose the captain serves in Legatt's life. What purpose does Legatt serve the captain?

5. How does the captain describe the skipper at the beginning of part two? How does he feel about the skipper?

6. What strangeness is dominant in the mind of the captain in the story's early part?

7. What characterizes the difficulties faced by the captain on his first day of true command?

8. The story begins with the captain coming aboard his new ship. Explain how the captain is feeling at the beginning of the story and how the author paints that picture.

9. How does the captain attempt to distract the skipper once the skipper starts to become suspicious?

10. What example of dual personification does the author give in the captain's character?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A major theme of the book, though not directly articulated, is that of the difference between prudence and imprudence, and the essentiality of the former to justice. Compose an analytical essay which examines the various situations of The Secret Sharer into which prudential assessment plays a role. Why is prudence so important to the situation? In what way does imprudence cause trouble for those involved? How does prudence achieve the proper end? What is the relationship between prudence and justice?

Essay Topic 2

The riding light is an important part of the connection between the captain and Legatt. How does each notice/use the ship's riding light the night Legatt comes aboard the captain's ship? How does the author use it as an important piece of the story?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Legatt's story versus the skipper's version of the story. Does the author leave any room for the captain to believe the skipper over Legatt? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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