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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 Captain Candless do after hearing Nailer's story?

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

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

4. What do Nailer, Tool and, Nita get on the docks?

5. Where is Nailer given a job?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Nailer do after Richard passes out of sight and why does Nita not seem too worried?

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

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

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

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

6. Describe the chase scene and the possible consequences.

7. Describe the argument between Nita and Tool.

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

9. Why does Nailer risk going into Blue Eye's shack and what does he do there?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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