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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. How is Corbett characterized by Bonder?

2. Which vessel is the flagship of the squadron?

3. What French frigate does Aubrey capture near La Reunion?

4. For what use does Aubrey grind lenses?

5. To what drug is Maturin addicted?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who joins Clonfert and what does he do? What happens to two English frigates with them?

2. With what does Maturin enlist Mr. Cotton's help and how did it go?

3. What does Maturin do on La Reunion?

4. What does Aubrey have a chance to do?

5. What is Bertie's attitude towards Aubrey and what does he do?

6. Where does the squadron go when it leaves Cape Town and what does Maturin do there?

7. What happened to Corbett's ship?

8. What does Aubrey have the crews doing on the voyage?

9. What does Maturin write about in his journal and what does he continue to use?

10. Where does Clonfert capture a fort and what happens then?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, etc...the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

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

Clonfert commits suicide upon hearing the supposedly happy news that Aubrey's campaign has successfully completed. Discuss the following:

1. Does Clonfert's act seem to be a narrative contrivance? Why or why not?

2. Does it make sense that Clonfert commits suicide? Explain using examples.

3. How hard do you think it is for men such as Aubrey to return to a staid existence with his family after what he goes through in the novel?

4. Do you think it is difficult in general for men (and now women also) to return home after being at war?

(see the answer keys)

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