View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What ideas does Aubrey take from his time with the China fleet?

2. What woman does Maturin visit in Calcutta?

3. What maneuvering is involved in getting Maturin and his patient to their destination?

4. What do Diana and Maturin discuss about the local girl Dil?

5. What does the Marine Captain suggest Maturin do to Canning?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Stanhope's ill health finally affect Aubrey and his crew?

2. Why are Mr. Ahmed Smyth and Atkins at odds with one another?

3. Why might Pullings be disappointed with the actions of Mr. Hervey's uncle while the H.M.S. Surprise is anchored at Bombay?

4. Why does Commodore temper his excitement after the sea victory?

5. Why does Maturin's desired outcome for Canning not come to pass?

6. How are Aubrey and Maturin's lives complicated by women in chapter seven?

7. Both Aubrey and Maturin entertain their shipmate's with stories and knowledge of sailing. Which man is more credible?

8. What is Maturin's goal at the duel?

9. Why is Babbinton's promotion only considered an acting appointment?

10. What are Aubrey's thoughts on the physical distance between him and Linois with the French Armada?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the author use symbolism in the novel? How do the symbols contribute to the book?

Essay Topic 2

Maturin throws naval terms about, but really has little knowledge of the sea and sailing vessels. Aubrey is a man at home on the water, but he faints at a surgical procedure. Why are these two men such devoted friends to each other? What does each give and receive in the relationship?

Essay Topic 3

The H.M.S. Surprise by Patrick O'Brian is set in history over 200 years ago. Do you think the story can be told as well if set in today's society? What major changes can be made? How might the morality of society and the characters be different?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 865 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample