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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Maturin locate on board Danaë?

2. What does Mrs. Horner claim about her husband?

3. What happens to Martin?

4. Where do the bank-notes come from that are loaded onto Surprise?

5. When does Surprise meet up with Danaë?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Far Side of the World is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following.

1. What are a couple advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are a couple disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier, more difficult, or about the same to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in Thirteen Gun Salute and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed? Which is more interesting?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Aubrey who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of The Far Side of the World and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of The Far Side of the World and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable? If so, which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 2,474 words (approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample