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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 does Diana request of Maturin?

2. What mission is Aubrey given?

3. What does Dundas suggest to Aubrey?

4. What does the crew think Jonah will do?

5. Who acts as First Lieutenant?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Aubrey anxious and how are Maturin and Martin passing the time while Surprise is under repair?

2. Why is it fortunate that Allen is on board Surprise?

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

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

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

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

7. What does Aubrey notice about the crew and how they align themselves?

8. What does Aubrey do with the Danaë?

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

10. Who is Midshipman Hollom, and what does Aubrey do concerning the man?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Far Side of the World, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in The Far Side of the World. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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