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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 Richard seem to believe?

2. What weapon does Nailer have left?

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

4. What ship does Candless decide to go after?

5. What does Nailer realize will happen if the Pole Star sinks?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Nita say about why her uncle is chasing her?

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

5. What bothers Nailer the most about his situation with Pima and Nita?

6. How is Tool removed from being their guardian?

7. How does Nailer almost blow Pima's deception to Richard?

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

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

10. Describe the argument between Nita and Tool.

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

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 3

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Nailer and Richard. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Nita and Pima. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Ship Breaker help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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