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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 might Aubrey's decision be viewed as wrong by many people?

2. What does Aubrey do shortly after he renders his judgment on what was done to Surprise?

3. Where does Aubrey get some saber cuts?

4. How have the prizes taken on the shakedown tour helped Aubrey?

5. What will Aubrey require from Babbington?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Maturin ask about Diana and what does Sir Joseph tell him?

2. What does a government official say to Aubrey and what is Aubrey's response?

3. Where does Aubrey take Surprise when they set sail again following the first shakedown cruise?

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

5. Following Surprises first shakedown cruise when Maturin visits Sir Joseph, what does he find out about Wray and Ledward?

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

7. Why is Aubrey driven to succeed in taking Diane?

8. What does Surprise do after her encounter with Spartan and what do Martin and Maturin do?

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

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

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 Jack Aubrey is no exception. Aubrey's insight and a nearly infallible instinct tends to carry him through the various perils he encounters.

1. Trace and analyze situations when Aubrey demonstrates his instinct for handling problems at sea. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze Aubrey's character flaws, especially his ineptness on land, with business ventures and a wandering eye as far as women are concerned.

3. Discuss how you think Aubrey's admirable traits helped him obtain a high rank in the Navy? How does Aubrey hide his character flaws so they have not impeded his career? Do any of those under his command seem to notice these flaws? Who? How does the reader know this?

Essay Topic 2

The British Navy in this era is very flexible in letting their Captains and other officers use their own style of command. Discuss the following:

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

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

3. Sometimes the crew will mutineer against a tyrannical Captain: Is mutiny ever justifiable? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

The Letter of Marque 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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