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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 does Maturin find among Johnson's papers?

2. Whose throat does Maturin slit with a scalpel?

3. What is the weather like as Aubrey looks out over the harbor after the questioning?

4. How does Aubrey, Maturin and Villiers get out of the harbor?

5. Upon whom does Maturin call?

Short Essay Questions

1. Of what is George Herapath proud and what may be a little despicable about his attitude?

2. What is humorous about Aubrey's daily observations of the bay?

3. How does Villiers seem to Maturin and what actions has she taken that were unwise?

4. Why do you think Aubrey feels it is justified to violate his "parole," which he gives as an officer and gentleman?

5. How does Maturin figure out that he has been identified as the intelligence officer and what is the implication?

6. Why would Maturin and Johnson have a discussion about birds and how does this discussion enhance the playful tone of the novel?

7. What does Wogan attempt to persuade Maturin to agree to and how do you think he may feel about it?

8. How does Maturin explain his engagement to Villiers to Aubrey and what does this engagement say about Maturin's character?

9. What does Maturin find in Johnson's papers and what is the implication?

10. How does George Herapath's attitude towards Wogan seem ironic or hypocritical?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some discussion takes place throughout the novel about various Captains and their command style. Discuss the following:

1. Whose command style seems most effective? Why? Give examples.

2. Whose command style seems least effective? Why? Give examples.

3. Is mutiny ever justifiable? Explain.

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: Britian, France, or Spain.

Essay Topic 3

Though the author O'Brian may or may not have such personal views on women, the way women are characterized in his naval series is often less than complimentary. Discuss one of the following:

1. Present and analyze the treatment of women in THE FORTUNE OF WAR.

2. O'Brian is trying to be historically accurate, so is his treatment of women in his book(s) justified?

3. Is there any way O'Brian could have presented women in a more positive light and still stayed historically accurate? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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