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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. Who is Pontet-Canet?

2. What news depresses Aubrey?

3. Who rescues Aubrey from making a serious faux pas?

4. Who calls upon Wallis?

5. What has been the outcome of those encounters?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What do you think it means that the officers are paroled and why is this so?

3. Who is Mrs. Wogan and how does she figure in the previous novel, which is mentioned in the initial chapters of this novel?

4. Why do the boats become separated and what are the advantages and disadvantages of that happening?

5. Why is Aubrey depressed at the news of the war?

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

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

8. How would you respond to being in open sea in an eighteen-foot boat with twelve other people?

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

10. What does Maturin learn that explains the Navy's treatment of Aubrey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

This story is a bit different from many others in O'Brian's series about Aubrey in that the war that is focused upon is that between the United States and Britain. Discuss the following:

1. If you are a citizen of the United States, how does it feel to be reading a book where the hero/protagonist is opposed to your country?

2. Did you find yourself supportive of Aubrey despite the fact that he is actually "the enemy" if you are a citizen of the U.S.?

3. How different do you think your response to this novel would be if the point of view were from the Captain of the USS Constitution or Chesapeake?

Essay Topic 3

Aubrey is interviewed by several obnoxious agents from the Navy who accuse him of various war crimes. He is thought to be a spy and the one who gives Wogan false intelligence. Discuss the following:

1. How many countries do you think have spies?

2. Why do you think spies are thought to be both necessary and yet they are despised?

3. Would you ever be willing to be a spy for your country?

4. A spy is not protected under the Geneva conventions. Why do you think that is?

(see the answer keys)

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