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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When is the library open?

2. Petal tells Mrs Moosup she will leave the little girls in . . .

3. How much money did Wavey's father make on berries in the previous year?

4. What happens when Quoyle slows his boat down quickly?

5. At the motel, what does Quoyle buy for his daughters?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is interesting about the idea of the aunt and Quoyle digging a garden patch?

2. How did the Quoyle house come to be moved to the point where it now stands?

3. What is indicated by the image of Quoyle looking at the horizon?

4. In what way are Billy and Quoyle connected?

5. How does the aunt respond to Quoyle's doubt over his ability to do the job?

6. How important is the rhythm of their new lives for Quoyle and his family?

7. What are Quoyle's expectations of marriage and how is the reality different for him?

8. What is the significance of Agnis' relationship with Irene Warren?

9. What does the green house on the point mean to the aunt?

10. Comment on the significance of the contents of the suitcase Quoyle finds floating in the water.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE SHIPPING NEWS is about physical and internal journeys.

Our lives can be described as journeys during which we encounter many experiences, some pleasant, others terrifying. Our journeys involve the physical, as we move from place to place, and the emotional/psychological, as we respond to what happens to us. Examine the way journeys shape the character and destiny of Quoyle, Agnis, Hamm and Jack Buggit.

Essay Topic 2

THE SHIPPING NEWS is a novel that successfully presents a web of sub-plots. Of the sub-plots in the novel, identify and discuss two.

1) What functions do these sub-plots perform in the novel? Do they support the main narrative stream, complement it or provide contrast?

2) Do you consider that sub-plots enrich our enjoyment of narrative texts?

Essay Topic 3

Conflict is at the heart of THE SHIPPING NEWS. To what extent do you believe this to be true?

How important is internal conflict?

Consider the sort of conflict that occurs within a personality as they struggle to come to terms with life.

Is there a balance between this and external conflict?

Discuss one major area of conflict that is significant in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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