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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 have that belongs to Diana?

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

3. What did Maturin find when he examined Aubrey?

4. What does Joseph organize when Aubrey returns?

5. To what rank has Babbington been promoted?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What does Aubrey do about the crew's response in question #32?

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

8. How does Maturin fix Aubrey and what does Aubrey say about the laudanum?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

The Letter of Marque, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of THE LETTER OF MARQUE and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why THE LETTER OF MARQUE is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. State what you think are three characteristics of a successful novel and whether or not THE LETTER OF MARQUE in your opinion is a successful novel.

Essay Topic 3

Maturin is an opium addict, taking truly heroic doses of laudanum on a daily basis. His friend Martin suspects this impropriety, and they discuss the relative merits of laudanum. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the use of opium is not regulated as it is today?

2. Do you think it is a more or less enlightened society that regulates personal drug use? Explain.

3. Do you think the execution of Maturin's duties are compromised by his frequent use of opium? Why or why not? Give examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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