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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 lands to possess the fortress?

2. With whose fleet does the Ariel rendezvous?

3. Though Maturin's watch is less than desirable for navigating, what is it good for?

4. What do Maturin and Jagiello do one foggy morning?

5. Why is Pellworm uncomfortable?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are a couple ill omens that Aubrey experiences that gives him the jitters?

3. What is the emergency to which Aubrey awakens?

4. What does Ariel do after leaving Grisholm?

5. Who does the Ariel encounter and what does Aubrey decide to do?

6. How does the Minnie complete her mission?

7. How does Lieutenant Grant slander Aubrey's name even further?

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

9. Briefly describe the Ariel, the ship of which Aubrey assumes command.

10. Why is Aubrey searching for a suitable ship to capture?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

4. Which vessel(s) are mentioned in THE SURGEON'S MATE that fall under this maritime law and what are the circumstances of their capture? Does it seem fair?

Essay Topic 3

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and Jack Aubrey is no exception. Aubrey's insight and a nearly infallible instinct tends to carry him through the various perils he encounters.

1. Trace and analyze situations when Aubrey demonstrates his instinct for handling problems at sea. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze Aubrey's character flaws, especially his ineptness on land, with business ventures and wandering eye as far as women are concerned.

3. Discuss how you think Aubrey's admirable traits helped him obtain a high rank in the Navy? How does Aubrey hide his character flaws so they have not impeded his career. Do any of those under his command seem to notice these flaws? Who? How does the reader know this?

(see the answer keys)

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