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. Where does Aubrey return in Chapter 5?

2. What do Maturin and Martin do at an apothecary?

3. What did Aubrey say about the laudanum Maturin gave him?

4. What does Surprise do first to prepare for taking Diane?

5. Where does Surprise go after finishing with Spartan?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the taking of the Diane and what happens to her immediately afterward.

2. What does Sir Joseph tell Maturin about a possible target for Aubrey?

3. What happens while the crew struggle to free Diane? How is Aubrey injured?

4. How is Aubrey greeted in England upon his return and what does Sir Joseph do for him?

5. What does Maturin tell Sir Joseph about Aubrey's circumstances and what Aubrey hopes?

6. Why does Aubrey encounter Babbington outside St. Martin's bay and what does Aubrey want from him?

7. What type of injury does Aubrey have?

8. What does Aubrey find has transpired on the Surprise while he was ashore?

9. How does Babbington respond to Aubrey's request?

10. How did the crew respond to Aubrey's orders concerning the incident in question #31?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in THE LETTER OF MARQUE.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles described in the novel with one from WWII.

Essay Topic 2

Surprise captures two American privateers and their five prizes. One of the privateers contained the entire considerable treasure of the Spanish ship Azul. Though Spain and England are allies against France and America, at this point in history, the fact that the American ship had transferred the cargo and the Spanish officers had deserted their sinking ship makes the quicksilver Aubrey's legal prize.

Not only is Great Britian engaged in a war against France and Napoleon's allies, it is at the time of THE LETTER OF MARQUE engaged in a war with the United States, later named the War of 1812. Discuss the following:

1. What is the War of 1812 and why does it occur? Do you think the British or Americans are most to blame for the problems that engender the war? to which side does O'Brian show the most sympathy?

2. How does it feel if you are from the United States to read about a war from the perspective of the "enemy"? How does that affect your reactions to the events in the book?

3. What do you think are the unique problems for Great Britain in being engaged in wars on two different fronts? Do you think Great Britain was unwise in not settling the issues with the United States rather than going to war? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in this book and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Aubrey who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,171 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample