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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. Why does Maturin leave the cricket match?

2. What course of action makes sense?

3. Who is Pontet-Canet?

4. Who do Maturin and Aubrey take on in Cricket?

5. How does Maturin almost make a serious faux pas?

Short Essay Questions

1. What tone for the novel is set and how is it set by the references to "Abraham"?

2. What are a couple signs that things are not going well for the men in the boat?

3. What do you think it means that Raikes' body was gnawed upon and do you think that is acceptable?

4. Do you think it is helpful for the author to present some background information from other books in the series, particularly the one just preceding this one?

5. Why is it somewhat miraculous that the HMS Leopard pulls into Pulo Batang successfully?

6. What surprises Aubrey once he is quartered at Asclepia?

7. What answers Aubrey's unspoken question as to why the Captain of the Java does not first engage in long-range gunfire before closing to board?

8. Why do you think it would be a serious faux pas to not attend the Captain's table to which one is invited in order to manage one's specimens as Maturin almost does?

9. Why do you think Aubrey argues so strenuously to retain his lieutenants and midshipmen?

10. What happens at the cricket match when Maturin joins the game and what tone does it set?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of THE FORTUNE IN WAR.

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of THE FORTUNE IN WAR.

Essay Topic 2

When the Java is conquered by the USS Constitution, the sailors are put in prison while the officers are paroled and given freedom of movement. Discuss the following:

1. Is it fair that only officers are paroled? Why do you think this is the case back then?

2. Do you think the tradition of paroling Officers who are captured in war is still extant today? Why or why not?

3. What institution uses the concept of "parole" today and how does it work? Is it used on supposedly honorable people as it was back then?

Essay Topic 3

The Fortune of War is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following?

1. What is one advantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What is a disadvantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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