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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 becomes of the biological specimens collected on the rocks?

2. What is the probable fate of many prisoners freed along with Maturin?

3. In chapter five, does the envoy Stanhope enjoy his voyage on H.M.S. Surprise?

4. How does Aubrey know he can trust the man he meets at Minorca?

5. What is Captain Aubrey's attitude toward an opportunity to command H.M.S. Surprise?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Maturin think of the possible consequences of the First Lord's mention of the doctor's name during a meeting?

2. Why is the voyage to Kampong be good for Stephen Maturin?

3. What details does Aubrey omit from his letter to Sophie about the land raid he and the crew perform while headed for Minorca?

4. What is the condition of the prisoner Maturin when Aubrey's crew take him away from the prison?

5. Why do Diana Villiers and Richard Canning leave England for India?

6. How does Maturin react to the prospect of collecting biological specimens?

7. What do Aubrey and his men intend to do when they gather at the prison where Maturin is being held?

8. Why is the whereabouts of the French officer Dutourd a potential problem?

9. What prospects of freedom do the freed prisoners have?

10. Why does Maturin discuss Captain Jack Aubrey with Sophie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the author use symbolism in the novel? How do the symbols contribute to the book?

Essay Topic 2

As the two major characters in H.M.S. Surprise, are Stephen Maturin and Jack Aubrey foils for one another? Does each man stand out because the other is available for comparison?

Essay Topic 3

How do letters advance the plot of the novel? Think about letters written by any of the major characters. What kind of information does the author give the reader through letters? Are the letters an effective means of moving the plot?

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