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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 does Maturin feel about the reunion?

2. With whom do the transports rendezvous?

3. What are the seas like as the convoy travels onward?

4. What does Aubrey have to do when the people in the small boat do not heed his warning?

5. Who is Hyde?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Hyde cutting Jagiello's meat and what happens at dinner one evening when Hyde does so?

2. What does Maturin suggest the Ariel do to convince the lookouts at Grimsholm that the Minnie is a friendly vessel?

3. Describe the chase scene when the Ariel goes after the Minnie.

4. Briefly describe Ariel's Senior Lieutenant, Hyde.

5. Describe the actions that lead to the wreck of the Ariel.

6. Who is Pellworm; what does he predict and what is the first thing that happens that seem to prove his prediction to be true?

7. How does the Minnie complete her mission?

8. How does the Ariel slow the Médusae down enough for the HMS Jason to catch the Médusae?

9. Why is Aubrey concerned when there is stormy weather?

10. What does Aubrey give a technical discussion of and how does he replace the broken chronometer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though it is not as evident in this book 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 2

Aubrey, though very bright in many ways, is somewhat superstitious, a trait common to many sailors. Discuss the following:

1. What is superstition? Can you name a few common superstitions? Do any of them seem to have any validity in logic?

2. Why do you think sailors have the reputation for being superstitious? Do you think it is true? What occurs in The Surgeon's Mate that is explained by or attributed to superstition? Are there other explanations for the occurrences?

3. What are some of the superstitions you are familiar with that sailors seem to believe? Do you believe any of them? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in THE SURGEON'S MATE.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of THE SURGEON'S MATE. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of THE SURGEON'S MATE. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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