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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. For what does Nailer search in Lucky Girl's eyes?

2. What shocks Nailer when he emerges from the trees?

3. How long could Nailer's head injury take to heal?

4. Who is Bapi?

5. What does Nailer realize about Lucky Girl for the first time since he met her?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the drawbacks to trying to salvage the clipper themselves?

2. Why do the children work so hard when Bapi appears?

3. Why does Nailer fear for his livelihood, and what gives him some hope?

4. What does the crew think will happen to Sloth?

5. How does Nailer feel when he sees Sadns emerging from the woods with his father?

6. How does Nailer feel about Richard, and what saves Nailer from a beating when he gets home after his oil experience?

7. Describe the ritual of making the girl a crew member.

8. What is the attitude about luck among Nailer's community and how will that affect Nailer's relationship to others after his almost dying.?

9. Who cares for Nailer's wounds?

10. Describe the confrontation between Nailer and Bapi.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Paolo Bacigalupi.

2. What in Bacigalupi's background may have helped him in writing Ship Breaker? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Ship Breaker help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Ship Breaker? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Ship Breaker to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Ship Breaker.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Ship Breaker. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Ship Breaker. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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