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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. How does Aubrey get updated information about the ship he is chasing?
2. When does Surprise meet up with Danaë?
3. How does Surprise end up on a mud bank?
4. What does Aubrey learn about their prey?
5. What does Aubrey plan to grab to save Maturin?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Characters are an important part of what makes The Far Side of the World interesting. Discuss the following:
1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Aubrey. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.
2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Maturin. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.
3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Horner. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.
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
Often in O'Brian's series involving Jack Aubrey, his ship and/or life is saved by extraordinary means. Discuss the following:
1. Research and define the literary term "narrative contrivance."
2. Identify and analyze a time in The Far Side of the World when O'Brian makes free use of the technique of narrative contrivance to save Aubrey and his ship or to set up a subplot.
3. Does the use of narrative contrivance diminish the impact of the plot? The believability of the storyline?
4. Is there any other way O'Brian could have a mixture of suspense and action while at the same time making certain the main characters are not killed?
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This section contains 2,511 words (approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page) |
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