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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 type of cargo is the ship in question #91 carrying?

2. What does Maturin's group detour to see?

3. How is Martin doing physically by Chapter 6?

4. Who hails Pullings?

5. Why do most of the local men desire autonomy from Spain?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Shelton volunteer for and what does he tell Aubrey?

2. What does Sam Panda have to say when he comes aboard the Surprise?

3. What is done at the meeting for the rebellion?

4. Who are two of the main figures in the planned rebellion and how do they stand on the issue?

5. What happens to Martin as Surprise is pursuing the French ship and what does Maturin do with his assistant?

6. How does Maturin react physically and intellectually to the mountains?

7. What side trip do Maturin and Eduardo take and what happens after they leave there?

8. Who is Edward Shelton and why is he aboard the American whaler?

9. What does Gayongos say about Dutourd when he arrives for the meeting?

10. Describe Eduardo and what kind of relationship do he and Maturin develop?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the conclusion of a novel, most readers either consciously or unconsciously engage in processing the book and usually come to a conclusion as to whether they like the book or not. Discuss one of the following:

1. Would you consider The Wine-dark Sea a "good" book? Why or why not? Use examples to illustrate your stance.

2. What do you think are the elements of an outstanding novel? Analyze one of your favorite novels to see if those elements are present.

3. What are some reasons you might consider a novel a failure? Analyze a novel you think is a failure and see if those elements are in that novel.

Essay Topic 2

The Wine-dark Sea 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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