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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 secret occupation does Graham have in common with Maturin?

2. What is abundant in the evening in the desert?

3. Who is Ponto?

4. What does Aubrey fear?

5. Who is Andrew Wray?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Aubrey decide to do about Mrs. Fielding and why?

2. Describe Jack Aubrey.

3. What is Monsieur Lesuerur doing in Malta?

4. What does Aubrey fear about his crew as time passes?

5. Who do Aubrey and his crew meet in Mubara and what does he tell them?

6. How do the men that respond to Captain Aubrey's summons appear?

7. What does Aubrey order his crew to do and where does Aubrey go while they are obeying his order?

8. What is Maturin's latest purchase and for what does he want to use it?

9. Describe Mr. Hairabedian.

10. What are Aubrey's orders from the Admiral for him and his crew?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Treason's Harbour is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following.

1. What are two advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are two 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 or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in Treason's Harbour and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable. Is it a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and does not succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Aubrey who you might call a hero or heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel and the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

4. Which vessel(s) are mentioned in Treason's Harbour that fall under this maritime law and what are the circumstances of their capture? Does it seem fair?

(see the answer keys)

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