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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. With whom does Surprise rendezvous unexpectedly?

2. What does Aubrey feel compelled to do concerning Hollom?

3. What good news does Surprise receive?

4. Who once gave Mrs. Fielding passage aboard his ship?

5. What do Maturin and Martin do after readying for their next assignment?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Maturin and Aubrey react differently to the information Allen is offering?

2. Who does Maturin recruit to assist him in the sick berth area?

3. What does Aubrey have to do before setting sail after the Norfolk and why?

4. How much does the problem with the pilot delay Surprise and what does Aubrey have to do to catch up?

5. Who are the highest ranking officers besides Aubrey and how are Mr. Martin and Hollom viewed?

6. What does Aubrey do with the Danaë?

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

8. What is the outcome of Butcher and Martin's attempt to trephine Maturin?

9. What problems develop in sick berth?

10. What happens when the Surprise encounters the outrigger with the Polynesian women?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Far Side of the World.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Far Side of the World. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Far Side of the World. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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