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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 request does Maturin make of Aubrey concerning his friend?

2. With whom do the Fieldings meet socially?

3. What information does Allen have about whales?

4. What does Diana request of Maturin?

5. Who has Aubrey eyed in town as a possible romantic partner before he learns her identity?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Aubrey discover on the island and in the water approaching the island?

4. Who goes ashore and who comes to meet the British and what is decided about Maturin?

5. What letter does Maturin receive and how does he answer it, and what is hinted at concerning the disposition of the letter?

6. What does Aubrey do with the Danaë?

7. Who is in the long boat that pulls alongside Surprise and what do they tell Aubrey?

8. What are some of the things the crew does to while away the time?

9. What does Martin decide about Maturin's condition, and what does Aubrey think?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1. What is foreshadowing? How many incidences of foreshadowing are in The Far Side of the World? How does foreshadowing contribute to a book's suspense?

2. Discuss an example of foreshadowing in The Far Side of the World. Include why you believe it is foreshadowing. Include examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from The Far Side of the World and your own live to support your opinion.

Essay Topic 2

The Far Side of the World belongs to the historical novel genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the historical novel genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a historical novel and a historical novel mystery?

Essay Topic 3

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

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Maturin and Aubrey. 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 Martin and Maturin. 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 The Far Side of the World 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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