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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 does Aubrey show Maturin when they climb into the foretop?

2. How prosperous is the China fleet?

3. What is Maturin's solution to his problems with Canning?

4. What is the intended use of the gift Jack Aubrey accepts on behalf of Sophie from the captain of the Seringapatam?

5. While in Bombay, what does Maturin learn becomes of Sophie's sisters?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are the officers of the H.M.S. Surprise treated by the China fleet?

2. Why is Maturin's recovery of health surprising in chapter six?

3. Why does Maturin's desired outcome for Canning not come to pass?

4. How do Aubrey and Stourton differ in their approaches to leadership on the ship?

5. What do his interactions with Dil and Diana in chapter seven suggest about Maturin's view of his role with women?

6. How does Stanhope's ill health finally affect Aubrey and his crew?

7. Why are Mr. Ahmed Smyth and Atkins at odds with one another?

8. What is Maturin's goal at the duel?

9. How do you describe Stanhope and his entourage from the stand point of the H.M.S. Surprise crew?

10. Why does Commodore temper his excitement after the sea victory?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Early in the novel, Stephen Maturin willingly discusses Jack Aubrey with Sophia who is engaged to Jack. That personal conversation contrasts with Maturin's awkward advice when Mr. Nicolls confesses misdeeds on their excursion to St. Paul's Rocks. What is the difference between the two conversations? What is Maturin's attitude toward Sophia and toward Nicolls? Does either conversation bring up any past incidents in Maturin's mind? What does Maturin's reaction in each conversation tell us about him?

Essay Topic 2

Debtor's prison is a concept that is unfamiliar to today's Western society. What is the logic of a debtor's prison? What do we do today to a person who defaults on loans? Why do you think the author includes this concept?

Essay Topic 3

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

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