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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 is running low on the ship?

2. How are whales stripped of their blubber?

3. Where is Surprise docking?

4. What does Maturin do pro bono?

5. What monumental task must Aubrey undertake?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the dinner engagement affect the rumor? What other rumor about Maturin and Mrs. Fielding is circulating?

2. How does Mr. Martin come to join the crew of the Surprise?

3. How do Aubrey and Maturin react to being on the desolate island?

4. What does Maturin hear the crew discussing, and what does Maturin do?

5. What does Horner confront Maturin about and what is Maturin's response?

6. Why does Aubrey start to seek land?

7. What happens to Martin and what does Maturin discover?

8. What is wrong with the Danaë, and what does Aubrey do?

9. With whom does Aubrey meet in Gibraltar and what is the rumor about him and Mrs. Fielding?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the book more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Patrick O'Brian.

2. What in O'Brian's background may have helped him in writing The Far Side of the World? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as The Far Side of the World help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Far Side of the World? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in The Far Side of the World to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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