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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 Nita not understand about Tool?

2. What does Captain Candless hand Nailer?

3. How will the group get to where they need to go?

4. Where does Nailer tell Nita to go?

5. How does Nailer feel on the train?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Tool removed from being their guardian?

2. What does Nailer think about his position while the Dauntless is chasing the Ray?

3. What is Nailer's and Pima's first view of Orleans?

4. How do Richard's and Nailer's perceptions of the situation differ?

5. What is another sign that the scavenge has been sucessful?

6. How does the Dauntless fall into a trap and what seems to be the best way to get out of it?

7. Describe the argument between Nita and Tool.

8. What does Captain Candless do after hearing Nailer's story?

9. What does Nailer realize about those on board the Pole Star, and what is his final thought about it?

10. Where does Nita say they need to go and why will that be difficult?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Ship Breaker. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Bacigalupi chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Bacigalupi chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Bacigalupi's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Bacigalupi use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

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

The mantra that one must be lucky and smart to create a Lucky Strike is related when the pair discover the ship and when they discover the injured girl.

1. Discuss reasons why people in the kind of world in which Ship Breaker is set might believe so much in luck. Use examples from your own life and Ship Breaker to support your reasoning.

2. Discuss the reasons you think kept Nailer from killing Nita. Use examples from your own life and Ship Breaker to support your reasoning.

3. Do you think choosing not to kill the girl separates Nailer from his father? Why or why not and in what ways? Use examples from your own life and Ship Breaker to support your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

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