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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 Nailer feel as he propels himself out of the water?

2. On what type of crew does Nailer work?

3. What does Nailer do to Lucky Girl with his knife?

4. Who is the only person on the island with medicine?

5. How do the few people who see Nailer react?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why are Pima and Nailer shocked by what they find on the clipper ship?

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

5. What do the three do the next morning?

6. Where is Nailer crawling when he goes back end and what does he think of concerning Jackson Boy?

7. What type of mask does Nailer wear and who checks in with Nailer occasionally?

8. Describe the confrontation between Nailer and Bapi.

9. How does Nailer get out of the oil and the ship?

10. What do Nailer and Pima find in the jungle and what is their first reaction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In most hero stories, there is a scene known as "Atonement with the Father" in which the hero reconciles his past with his future. In order for Nailer to move on in his life, he had to confront the man who had tortured and pursued him throughout the novel.

1. Do you think Nailer could be called a hero? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life and Ship Breaker to support your reasoning.

2. How do you think killing his father will affect Nailer for the rest of his life? Use examples from your own life and Ship Breaker to support your reasoning.

3. What do you think Sadna meant when she said killing always costs? Use examples from your own life and Ship Breaker to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Ship Breaker and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Ship Breaker is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by Ship Breaker. Questions that Bacigalupi most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Bacigalupi's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Bacigalupi's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Bacigalupi and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

(see the answer keys)

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