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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. Who greets Aubrey and his crew favorably?

2. What does Aubrey fear about submitting his report?

3. From what does the Surprise escape?

4. What does Maturin think about when he learns of the other ship's earlier return?

5. What does Wray agree to in order to cancel his debt?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Maturin and Martin not affected by the weather as much?

2. Who are Mr. Honey and Mr. Maitland and how does Aubrey help them?

3. What concerns the men when they arrive at the fort, but what happens in the end?

4. What happens in Mrs. Fielding's home while Maturin sits in the dark awaiting her return?

5. What does Maturin tell Fielding about his wife and about Maturin's friendship with his wife?

6. What concerns Aubrey about his failed mission with the treasure ship?

7. What are conditions like for the men on board the Niobe?

8. How does Maturin gain political favors from Wray and what are those favors?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Patrick O'Brian has tried as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Treason's Harbour qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of the early 1800s is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Though it is not as evident in Treason's Harbour 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 this book 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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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