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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 Fox act towards Maturin after the affair in question #154?

2. Who greets the arrival of Fox enthusiastically at the beginning of Chapter 6?

3. What type of work for the Dutch does Van Buren do?

4. What does the Sultan announce shortly after the Sultan returns?

5. About what subject are the diplomats ignorant?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Maturin and van Buren's relationship evolve?

2. What kind of news about the French delegation does Raffles tell Aubrey?

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

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

5. How does van Buren assist Maturin?

6. What kind of daily observations does Aubrey take and why does he take them?

7. Describe, briefly, the Diane.

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

9. What is Fox's response to his situation and how does that affect Maturin?

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

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 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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Often in O'Brian's series involving Jack Aubrey, his ship and/or life is saved by extraordinary means. Discuss the following:

1. Research and define the literary term "narrative contrivance."

2. Identify and analyze a time in the book when O'Brian makes free use of the technique of narrative contrivance to save Aubrey and his ship or to set up a subplot in Thirteen Gun Salute.

3. Does the use of narrative contrivance diminish the impact of the plot? The believability of the storyline?

4. Is there any other way O'Brian could have a mixture of suspense and action while at the same time making certain the main characters are not killed?

(see the answer keys)

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