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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. Who will depart about the Cornélie?

2. Why has a Dutch-built ship sunk?

3. For what is Grimshaw and Killick known?

4. What does Raffles' wife ask of Aubrey?

5. For what purpose are the bribes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What else is Maturin doing while in port besides his nature study?

2. Why is the situation not as precarious as it could be for the marooned men?

3. Describe the second encounter between the Nutmeg of Consolation and Cornélie.

4. About what does Aubrey brood and what are his thoughts about the topic?

5. How do Maturin and Martin renew their acquaintance and what is Aubrey's response?

6. What is Pullings response to an offer of command?

7. Why is Aubrey and his crew marooned?

8. Describe the first attempt of the Nutmeg of Consolation to engage Cornélie.

9. How does Aubrey gain a vessel to replace the Diane?

10. What does Maturin do with the girls?

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 Nutmeg of Consolation.

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/hostile actions between two vessels described in the novel with one from WWII.

Essay Topic 2

Though it is not as evident in The Nutmeg of Consolation as others, 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 one of 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.

Essay Topic 3

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and both Maturin and Aubrey are no exceptions.

1. Trace and analyze situations when Maturin and Aubrey each demonstrates his admirable traits. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze both Maturin and Aubrey's character flaws, and explain how the flaws create more complex and believable characters. How do you think either man's character flaws make some situations more difficult for him?

3. After analyzing each man's strengths and weaknesses, decide if each man is an appropriate "hero" of the story. Is there anyone else who might be a more admirable "hero"?

(see the answer keys)

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