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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. Where does Aubrey recruit some dozen of the new sailors on the Surprise?
2. What does Maturin do pro bono?
3. What does Wray constantly work to do?
4. What information does Allen have about whales?
5. Who is Mr. Wray?
Short Essay Questions
1. What does Horner confront Maturin about and what is Maturin's response?
2. What happens when Maturin comes on deck during a storm?
3. What does Aubrey have to do before setting sail after the Norfolk and why?
4. What beside crew members will be on Surprise and is this normal?
5. Who goes ashore and who comes to meet the British and what is decided about Maturin?
6. With whom does Aubrey meet in Gibraltar and what is the rumor about him and Mrs. Fielding?
7. What does Aubrey notice about the crew and how they align themselves?
8. Who is in the long boat that pulls alongside Surprise and what do they tell Aubrey?
9. When did Surprise's launch appear and what did Midshipman Honey tell Aubrey?
10. What does Higgins begin to do among the crew members?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Discuss one of the following:
1. Trace and analyze the theme of war in The Far Side of the World. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with war? Why? What are some symbols of war? Symbols of nationalism? What characters seem patriotic?
2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in The Far Side of the World. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?
3. Trace and analyze the theme of nature versus man in The Far Side of the World. How does the natural world affect the plot? How does it affect the characters? Which characters are most concerned with the natural world? Why is knowledge of the natural world important in that era to sailors?
4. Trace and analyze the theme of superstition in The Far Side of the World. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to be superstitious? Why?
Essay Topic 2
Discuss the following:
1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?
2. Analyze and discuss The Far Side of the World based upon the criteria that you think set for a successful novel. Judge if The Far Side of the World is a successful novel.
3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider The Far Side of the World a successful novel? What about young teens?
Essay Topic 3
Often in O'Brian's series involving Jack Aubrey, his ship and/or life is saved by extraordinary means. Discuss the following:
1. Research and define the literary term "narrative contrivance."
2. Identify and analyze a time in The Far Side of the World when O'Brian makes free use of the technique of narrative contrivance to save Aubrey and his ship or to set up a subplot.
3. Does the use of narrative contrivance diminish the impact of the plot? The believability of the storyline?
4. Is there any other way O'Brian could have a mixture of suspense and action while at the same time making certain the main characters are not killed?
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This section contains 2,989 words (approx. 10 pages at 300 words per page) |
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