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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What does Horner say when he approaches Maturin?
2. When does Aubrey believe they might perish?
3. Where are Aubrey and Maturin taken?
4. Who appears and is injured?
5. What do Maturin and Martin find fascinating about Juan Fernandez Island?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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.
Essay Topic 2
Choose one of the following to discuss:
1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Far Side of the World. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think O'Brian chooses the symbols he does?
2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think O'Brian chooses the metaphors she does?
3. Discuss O'Brian's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does O'Brian use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).
Essay Topic 3
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.
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This section contains 2,463 words (approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page) |
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