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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. How did the captain treat the skipper?
2. What does the captain try to ram on the head of Leggatt in the dark of the sail locker?
3. What does the captain narrate as being "not barren of ingenious suggestions" while speaking with the Sephora's skipper?
4. How does the captain feel when he first orders the ship forward?
5. Who suggests that the wave which hit the boat could have killed the man rather than Legatt?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
The eminent theme of The Secret Sharer is the self-sacrificial nature of the captain on behalf of Leggatt. Compose an analytical essay examining the manner in which the captain offers himself up for the sake of another. What is a sacrifice? What characterizes a sacrificial action? What does the captain offer as a sacrifice for the sake of Leggatt? Why does the captain offer himself up as he does? What characterizes his willingness to serve the good of the other? Is his a perfect act? Why or why not? Is the goodness of the action effected at all by the fact that no consummation of sacrifice was made? What is the significance of the captain's intent as regards his willingness to self-sacrifice? What is it about this sacrifice that is inherently recognizable as noble and good?
Essay Topic 2
A constant and recurring if not directly expressed conflict in the story is between the person's exterior conduct and his interior consciousness. This psychosomatic struggle constantly demonstrates itself in the struggles of the captain and Leggatt as they maneuver to maintain their secret. Compose an essay analyzing these struggles and explicate their significance in discerning character strengths and weaknesses. How do the characters compose themselves under psychological duress? What emotions do the two men have to struggle against? In what situations do the emotions get the better of them? How do they conquer their emotions and strain?
Essay Topic 3
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?
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This section contains 463 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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