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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 course of action makes sense?

2. Who is Pontet-Canet?

3. Where is Aubrey to recover?

4. What port has the HMS Leopard reached in Chapter 1?

5. What does Maturin do after Java strikes her colors?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happens at the cricket match when Maturin joins the game and what tone does it set?

3. What do you think it means that Raikes' body was gnawed upon and do you think that is acceptable?

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

6. Why is it somewhat miraculous that the HMS Leopard pulls into Pulo Batang successfully?

7. Why do you think it would be a serious faux pas to not attend the Captain's table to which one is invited in order to manage one's specimens as Maturin almost does?

8. What surprises Aubrey once he is quartered at Asclepia?

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

10. What do you think it means that the officers are paroled and why is this so?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Aubrey and his boat of men are finally rescued by the HMS Java, it is mentioned in passing that Raikes' body was gnawed upon--the suggestion is that one or more of the men ate some of Raikes' flesh to stave off starvation. Discuss one of the following:

1. What sort of actions are and are not justified in order to survive?

2. What are the psychological and mental characteristics do you think a person has to possess in order to survive under extreme circumstances?

3. Do you think you would survive an extreme situation? Why or why not? Discuss fully.

Essay Topic 2

Most of the entire series of novels concerning Captain Jack Aubrey takes place during the Napoleonic Wars; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of this book and others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the naval aspect of the Napoleonic Wars between Britain and France.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British navy during either WWI or WWII.

4. Write an expository essay on how the Napoleonic War affects the social culture of one of the following countries: Britian, France, or Spain.

Essay Topic 3

Aubrey is interviewed by several obnoxious agents from the Navy who accuse him of various war crimes. He is thought to be a spy and the one who gives Wogan false intelligence. Discuss the following:

1. How many countries do you think have spies?

2. Why do you think spies are thought to be both necessary and yet they are despised?

3. Would you ever be willing to be a spy for your country?

4. A spy is not protected under the Geneva conventions. Why do you think that is?

(see the answer keys)

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