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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 interest does Eduardo share with Maturin?

2. What does Pullings report to Aubrey?

3. What does Eduardo do for a living?

4. Where has Maturin gone?

5. What does Aubrey do with Alastor?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Maturin write about his mission and what does he tell him?

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

3. What contact of Maturin's is most valuable and why?

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

5. What does Aubrey attempt to do to correct what he found out about Dutourd?

6. Why does Aubrey go out to sea in Franklin, what does he encounter and what does he discover?

7. What happens when Surprise reaches port at Callao? What does Maturin do?

8. Where has Maturin been sent after the collapse of the rebellion?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much attention is given to the treatment of both wounds and illnesses by Maturin. Maturin seems far more advanced than the typical doctor of that era. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the medical remedies Maturin uses in The Wine-dark Sea to that which would be done in our modern world.

2. Many wars are partially, if not completely, determined by factors other than the actual fighting. One of those factors is disease. Research and discuss how epidemics/pandemics have influenced the outcome of three different wars throughout history.

3. Discuss some of the medical remedies Maturin performs/uses that were probably not used in that era. Did Aubrey's surviving of the head wound and stabbing to his thigh seem plausible? What about Martin treating himself when he thought he had syphilis?

Essay Topic 2

The Wine-dark Sea takes place during the War of 1812 where Britain is fighting America; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of The Wine-dark Sea and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the War of 1812 begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the naval aspect of the War of 1812 between Britain and America.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British navy during the War of 1812 to the importance of the British navy during either WWI or WWII.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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