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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 Purvis try to do unsuccessfully as they near the ship?

2. What causes Jessie to get breathless on the ship at one point?

3. What bent the trees on an island Jessie sees off the ship?

4. Where does Jessie first meet the Captain?

5. What does Jessie want the cook to give him when the wind dies?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the Captain give Jessie for guessing about the contents of the chest?

2. What does Jessie compare Purvis to?

3. What does the captain do to avoid being caught as an illegal slaver?

4. What happens when Jessie meets the Captain?

5. What does Jessie notice about the young boy slave during a dancing session one day?

6. Who is the Spaniard?

7. What does the crew say justifies their illegal activity in the slave trade?

8. What does Jessie hear just before he leaves the ship?

9. How does Jessie describe his swim to shore?

10. What does Jessie do after the Civil War?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Fear is a major motivating factor for a number of characters in this book. Which characters are most affected by this, and what are some of the different ways this fear is manifested?

Essay Topic 2

Human nature is a strong symbol and theme in this book. Where does this symbol appear, and what role does it play in the book?

Essay Topic 3

The pursuit of happiness was a common theme found in this book. What parts of the plot embodied this theme, and how did that pursuit affect the characters involved?

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