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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 have the midshipmen been doing with their journals on spherical trigonometry?

2. At what function does the British delegation act in grossly flattering ways?

3. What do Aubrey and Maturin learn about banks in England?

4. What does the delegation find out about the French at the beginning of Chapter 6?

5. About what subject are the diplomats ignorant?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does van Buren assist Maturin?

2. Why does Aubrey dislike Fox and how does the crew feel about Fox? What does that force on Fox?

3. Where does Maturin go on a leave and how did he get there?

4. Who is Van Buren and why does Maturin seek him out in Pulo Prabang?

5. How does the crew work on the Diane and what does Aubrey do with them?

6. What does Fox do to impress the Sultan? How does Aubrey prepare?

7. How is Abjul executed?

8. What does Aubrey do with the midshipmen when he allows prostitutes aboard Diane and what do those midshipmen do?

9. What kind of arrangements does Maturin make in Batavia and why?

10. What does Maturin bring to van Buren's house and what do the two men do?

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 Thirteen Gun Salute 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 is an officer and a gentleman and is therefore accorded more respect and trust even in enemy territory than the common sailor. Discuss the following:

1. Does it seem likely that officers are usually more trustworthy than enlisted men back then? What about today? Why or why not?

2. In the present military in the United States, both officers and enlisted can be held for court martial for consorting with a foreign national while in another country such as in the "bawdy-house" in Pulo Prabang. Why do you think this is so? Do you agree with the policy?

3. In the time in which Thirteen Gun Salute is set, an officer's word was assumed to always be good; whereas a non-officer was not considered trustworthy. What is the flaw in this standard? Do you think it affects the moral and/or morals of non-officers? How? What about the morale of each group?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Thirteen Gun Salute. Does the setting seem to be the best one for the plot? Can you think of a better setting? Why or why not?

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Thirteen Gun Salute. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Thirteen Gun Salute. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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