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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. Where will the French squadron really sail for?

2. Who is Aubrey late to meet?

3. Why do Ringle and Surprise stay with Berenice?

4. What is one of the fastest ships in Jack's squadron?

5. With whom does Mrs. Williams insinuate that Diana is having an affair?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Maturin meets with his two assistants?

2. For whom does Sophie hold a dinner and what happens about Maturin concerning the dinner?

3. What happens as the fleet is leaving The Berlings and what is Aubrey's thought on the matter?

4. Describe the squadron's first capture.

5. Why does the fleet put in at St. Thomas and what happens there between two officers.

6. What does the Aurora bring and why are all the crews happy about it?

7. What does Stephen ask of Aubrey and what is his response?

8. What is one story Dundas and Aubrey discuss?

9. What does Maturin tell Aubrey about Diana and Brigid?

10. Who visits Stephen in Bantry and what does he tell Stephen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and both Maturin and Aubrey are no exceptions.

1. Trace and analyze situations when Maturin and Aubrey each demonstrates his admirable traits. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze both Maturin and Aubrey's character flaws, and explain how the flaws create more complex and believable characters. How do you think either man's character flaws make some situations more difficult for him?

3. After analyzing each man's strengths and weaknesses, decide if each man is an appropriate "hero" of the story. Is there anyone else who might be a more admirable "hero"?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Commodore.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Commodore. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Commodore. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of manipulation and power in The Commodore. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with manipulation and power? Why? What are some symbols of manipulation and power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of war in The Commodore. Why is Britain engaged in a war? What are some symbols of war that occur in the book? Is the war justified? Does Aubrey and his crew perform with honor as warriors? Do you think their behavior to the enemy would be in accordance with the Geneva Conventions (you may need to research this)?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death. How does the world of Aubrey's time seem to view death? Who tries to avoid killing? Who seems to kill for frivolous reasons? Who seems afraid of dying? Not afraid? Who meets death gracefully? In resignation? With joy? With fear?

(see the answer keys)

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