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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 Maturin's understanding of Stanhope's deteriorating health?

2. What is Aubrey's reaction to Stanhope's demise?

3. Besides the squall that maroons Maturin, what other frustrating weather does the H.M.S. Surprise experience near Brazil?

4. What personal tragedy recently happens to the captain of the Seringapatam?

5. Who acts as Maturin's second?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is Maturin's meeting with Canning awkward?

4. Why is Babbinton's promotion only considered an acting appointment?

5. Why is Stephen Maturin so visibly upset when he returns to the H.M.S. Surprise in chapter eight?

6. By the time the H.M.S. Surprise reaches Bombay, what is the condition of the ship and the crew and passengers?

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

8. How effective is Maturin's solution for Stanhope's health after the convulsing?

9. How does the East India Company reward Aubrey and the the East India Company?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

The H.M.S. Surprise by Patrick O'Brian is set in history over 200 years ago. Do you think the story can be told as well if set in today's society? What major changes can be made? How might the morality of society and the characters be different?

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This section contains 850 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample