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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. What do they have to do to Leopard before they can repair her hull?

2. What does Aubrey try to do when Babbington calls him to the deck?

3. In what direction is Leopard driven as she seeks to avoid combat?

4. What does Aubrey do to strengthen the standing rigging?

5. What does the crew believe is causing the Dutch ship's ability to stay with Leopard?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Aubrey think the Dutch captain keeps pursuing Leopard? Is this supposition of his confirmed?

2. What does the fact that the Waakzaamheid has found the Leopard mean as far as the Dutch captain goes?

3. Describe Grant's capabilities during combat and during regular ship operations.

4. Why does Leopard end up too far south?

5. What does Aubrey have done to his cabin and why?

6. Why is Leopard in danger in Chapter 8 and how much danger is there?

7. How does Aubrey win the battle with the Dutch ship?

8. How does Aubrey feel when the Dutch ship sinks?

9. Why does Aubrey allow Grant and others to leave the ship?

10. What decision of Aubrey's does Grant criticize?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, etc...the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

Essay Topic 2

Most of the entire series of novels concerning Captain Jack Aubrey takes place during the Napoleonic Wars; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of this book and others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the naval aspect of the Napoleonic Wars between Britain and France.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British navy during either WWI or WWII.

4. Write an expository essay on how the Napoleonic War affects the social culture of one of the following countries: Britain, France, or Spain.

Essay Topic 3

An American spy, Mrs. Wogan will accompany Maturin and Aubrey on the Leopard. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think a female American is a spy for the British?

2. Compare the difference between how Maturin and Aubrey treat Mrs. Wogan.

3. Do you think it was solely for professional reasons that Maturin in the auspices of the ship's surgeon, examines Mrs. Wogan?

4. In that era, most sailors believe woman should not be on a ship and they brought bad luck. Do you think any of that attitude is still present in the seagoing services (US Navy, US Coast Guard and Merchant Marines). This may require some research.

(see the answer keys)

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