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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 is Amanda Smith?

2. Who is Mrs. Williams?

3. What does Maturin obtain for Villiers?

4. Who does Aubrey quote that misleads Amanda Smith?

5. What does Maturin intend to do in Paris?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who pursues the Diligence and what is the outcome?

2. What do Maturin and Villiers think about Aubrey's behavior with Smith?

3. Why is Aubrey particularly unhappy ashore?

4. What did the British intelligence want Maturin to do and why do they no longer need him for the assignment?

5. What depresses Aubrey amidst all the celebrations?

6. How do Aubrey, Maturin and Villiers each act once aboard the Diligence?

7. Describe Amanda Smith.

8. What business does Maturin take care of while in Halifax?

9. What is Maturin's interest in Villiers and why?

10. How are the HMS Shannon's crew and passengers greeted in Halifax?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE SURGEON'S MATE, 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 SURGEON'S MATE and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why THE SURGEON'S MATE 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 SURGEON'S MATE in your opinion is a successful novel.

Essay Topic 2

Not only is Great Britian engaged in a war against France and Napoleon's allies, it is at the time of THE SURGEON'S MATE 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? 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

THE SURGEON'S MATE is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following.

1. What is a couple advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are a couple disadvantages 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)

This section contains 1,177 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample