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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. How does this acquaintance help the Surprise?
2. What does Maturin hear the crew discuss?
3. What news comes to Maturin when he is trying to decide what to tell Aubrey?
4. What does Aubrey learn about Danaë?
5. How does Maturin react to what he learns?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:
1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?
2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Far Side of the World and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Far Side of the World is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.
3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?
Essay Topic 2
There are a number of interesting questions raised by The Far Side of the World. Questions that Hobbs most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:
1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?
2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the O'Brian's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss O'Brian's probable agenda concerning that idea.
2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?
3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?
4. Research the life of O'Brian and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.
Essay Topic 3
Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the book more interesting. Discuss the following:
1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Patrick O'Brian.
2. What in O'Brian's background may have helped him in writing The Far Side of the World? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?
3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.
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This section contains 2,506 words (approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page) |
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