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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. Of what are some American agents accusing Aubrey?

2. Who have all taken passage in the same boat?

3. Upon what vessel is Aubrey traveling to England?

4. What good news does the Captain offer Aubrey?

5. What does Aubrey do on the voyage?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think Aubrey argues so strenuously to retain his lieutenants and midshipmen?

2. What are a couple signs that things are not going well for the men in the boat?

3. Why do you think the USS Constitution leads the Java on a long chase to sea?

4. Do you think it would be difficult for the men to stay optimistic if after spotting a ship but they do not see you?

5. Why would the men welcome being on board the HMS Java though it is quite crammed with people?

6. Who is Mrs. Wogan and how does she figure in the previous novel, which is mentioned in the initial chapters of this novel?

7. What does Maturin learn that explains the Navy's treatment of Aubrey?

8. Why do you think the HMS Leopard is being converted to a transport?

9. Why do the boats become separated and what are the advantages and disadvantages of that happening?

10. What do you think is a possible cause of La Flèche catching fire and exploding?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Maturin acts as a covert agency for the Crown and in the previous book, gives Wogan false intelligence that results in several French intelligence agents being killed as double agents. Discuss the following:

1. What sort of covert operations does Maturin undertake? How similar do you think his covert operations are to that of an organization such as the CIA of today?

2. How much does Maturin's covert operations how he and Aubrey fare in Boston after being captured by the Americans?

3. Do you see any conflict of interests between being a doctor and also a covert operator? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Much attention is given to the treatment of both wounds and illnesses by Maturin, who seems to be far more advanced than the typical doctor of that era. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the medical remedies Maturin uses in The Fortune of War to that which would be done in our modern world.

2. Many wars are partially, if not completely, determined by factors other than the actual fighting. One of those factors is disease. Research and discuss how epidemics/pandemics have influenced the outcome of three different wars throughout history.

3. Discuss some of the medical remedies Maturin performs/uses that were probably not used in that era.

Essay Topic 3

Some discussion takes place throughout the novel about various Captains and their command style. Discuss the following:

1. Whose command style seems most effective? Why? Give examples.

2. Whose command style seems least effective? Why? Give examples.

3. Is mutiny ever justifiable? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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