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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 learn about?

2. Who are Manu and Taio?

3. What does Horner tell Aubrey?

4. Why does Aubrey push the crew so hard?

5. What does Surprise do at Juan Fernandez Island?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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