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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. How does Diana respond to Maturin's proposal of marriage?

2. How prosperous is the China fleet?

3. Atkins and Stanhope are lectured about sailing by what man?

4. Of what does Canning accuse Diana?

5. In the sixth chapter, a second violent storm does what kind of damage to the H.M.S. Surprise?

Short Essay Questions

1. What ruse is used to fool the French armada about the strength of the China fleet?

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

3. Both Aubrey and Maturin entertain their shipmate's with stories and knowledge of sailing. Which man is more credible?

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

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

6. How are Aubrey and Maturin's lives complicated by women in chapter seven?

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

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

9. Is there any point in the long voyage when the people on board are in grave danger?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

From the people who talk about or to Canning of the East India Company, what impression do you get of the status of Jews in that society? Consider in particular Marine Captain Etherege's comments and advice to Maturin.

Essay Topic 2

A long voyage could be compared to a person's life. The voyage of the H.M.S. Surprise is months long and filled with adventure as well as some tedium. How does the voyage with its unsuccessful mission represent Aubrey's life?

Essay Topic 3

At times, the sea represents peace, particularly to Jack Aubrey. At other times in the novel, the sea causes death. Trace how the author uses the sea throughout the novel. Consider what the sea has to offer the crew of the H.M.S. Surprise. What does the sea offer to Aubrey in both challenges and opportunities? How does the sea affect the lives of the women in the novel? Do you think Aubrey will ever leave the sea for the cottage in his daydreams?

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