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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. How much had the crew been betting?

2. Why is it going to be very difficult for Nailer to work in the machine room?

3. What does Nailer see across the lake one day?

4. What does Tool decide to do?

5. Why do Nailer and Nita grow closer?

Short Essay Questions

1. What surprises Nailer when they arrive at the mansion and who does Nailer find inside?

2. Describe the chase scene and the possible consequences.

3. Describe the initial boarding of the Pole Star by the Dauntless crew.

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

5. What ship name does Tool finally recognize and why does Captain Candless decide to chase a different ship?

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

7. How is Tool removed from being their guardian?

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

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

10. What does Nailer suddenly notice one day as he is working and what does he do?

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

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not?

5. What type of plot do you think Ship Breaker is? Explain your response.

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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