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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. When does Maturin bleed the entire crew?

2. What is Midshipman Hollom's situation on Gibraltar?

3. How were Maturin and Mrs. Fielding rumored to once be associated?

4. How many previous names has Surprise had?

5. How does Sir Ives feel about Aubrey's recent work?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who commands Surprise and what is the ship doing at the beginning of the novel?

2. Who is Dundas and what does he suggest to Aubrey?

3. What factions exist among the Americans?

4. Whom does Surprise encounter and what do they send with them?

5. With what is much of the early voyage of Surprise taken?

6. Where does Surprise reach at the opening to chapter 6, and what does it do there?

7. Where are Martin and Maturin really excited about the idea of shore leave?

8. What does Allen say about how whales are used?

9. What does Aubrey decide to do with the new information and how does Maturin feel about Aubrey's decision?

10. What happens to Mrs. Horner and what does Maturin realize?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 The Far Side of the World is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in Thirteen Gun Salute and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed? Which is more interesting?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Aubrey who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of The Far Side of the World and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of The Far Side of the World and why?

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

4. Are any of the characters dispensable? If so, 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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