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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. What rank is Aubrey after reinstatement?

2. What does Edward Fox ask Aubrey about in Chapter 4?

3. What piece of land does the Surprise turn around after leaving the North Channel in Chapter 2?

4. In what position will the person in question #16 be on the Surprise?

5. What relationship do Aubrey and Pullings have?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the Surprise's first lieutenant and what is his qualification?

2. Who is Maturin's assistant, why is he on the Surprise and how are he and Maturin similar?

3. How does the captain of the Diane feel about being replaced and on what day does Aubrey take command?

4. How is the ship's last addition to the crew handling the voyage and how does Aubrey feel about it?

5. What ship is Aubrey in command of at the beginning of the book?

6. What kind of journey did Sir Joseph have from Corunna and why has he come to Lisbon?

7. What new orders are Aubrey given in Lisbon?

8. What happens to the Surprise with Aubrey's new orders and what do Pullings and Aubrey arrange?

9. What does Standish ask for at Lisbon and how does Aubrey respond?

10. Who does Maturin see on the ship and what does he think about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Thirteen Gun Salute.

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Thirteen Gun Salute.

Essay Topic 2

Thirteen Gun Salute is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following:

1. What are 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, more difficult, or about the same to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

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, yet he is also plagued with doubts and is not above an occasional act of adultery.

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 his career 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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