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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 is aboard the Surprise specifically for Maturin?

2. What happens to the Dryad?

3. From what does the Surprise escape?

4. How does Maturin use the situation with Mrs. Fielding?

5. Why does the trip become easier on the second day of the march across the desert?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Major Pollock tell Aubrey and what is Aubrey's response?

2. Describe the encounter with the French man-of-war.

3. What seems to demonstrate that Aubrey's failure to gain the treasure will not be held against him?

4. How does Maturin learn that the galley is not carrying treasure?

5. How does Maturin help to protect Mrs. Fielding and pull off and intelligence coup?

6. Who leaves instructions for Aubrey and what are the orders?

7. Describe the encounter with the treasure galley.

8. Describe the capture of a French privateer by the Surprise.

9. What does Mr. Fielding falsely believe about Aubrey and how does that influence Mr. Fielding's choices?

10. What is the attitude of the crew and why as they are returning on the Niobe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in Treason's Harbour.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles/hostile actions between two vessels described in the novel with one from WWII.

Essay Topic 2

At sea, the commander of a vessel is "God," and failure to obey the Captain's orders can subject one to court martial and even execution. Discuss the following:

1. Should sailors be held accountable for anything they do under orders? Discuss fully, using examples both from Treason's Harbour and your own knowledge.

2. Why do you think mutiny on a ship is punishable by death?

3. Is there ever justification for a crew to mutiny?

Essay Topic 3

Loyalty is demonstrated in a number of ways, as is the lack of loyalty. Aubrey's crew slowly deserts him to sign on with other captains during a period of downtime while Aubrey's ships are in repair. Yet, many crew members remain loyal to Aubrey despite not being paid during the down time. Discuss the following:

1. How do you define loyalty? Is the ability and desire to be loyal an admirable trait in humans? Why or why not? What are the advantages and disadvantages of being loyal to a person? Cause? Country? Idea? What of those who are loyal to something no matter what they learn about that person, thing, ideal, and country or has blind loyalty?

2. Discuss and analyze why you think man of Aubrey's crew remains to be loyal. Is it warranted, wise, or earned? Do you Aubrey is a loyal British subject? What do you think of Maturin? Is Aubrey a loyal friend, husband, or comrade? What do you think about Maturin? Discuss each situation.

3. Why do you think Aubrey is able to elicit loyalty and confidence from the men when they are traveling through treacherous seas and battling other ships?

(see the answer keys)

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