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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Farquhar become?

2. What does McAdam call a dugong?

3. Why is the Groper sacrificed?

4. How does Clonfert handle the tactical situation?

5. What does the armed merchant ship do when Aubrey asks for help?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much attention is given to the treatment of both wounds and illnesses by Maturin and McAdam. Maturin, in particular 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 Mauritius 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 2

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. During the battle for Mauritius, sailors kill Caption Corbett and then fight as instructed under his second in command. Do you think these men were justified in their actions? Why or why not. Give examples.

4. Is mutiny ever justifiable? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Clonfert holds Aubrey in high regard but also feels professional rivalry that occasionally borders on outright hostility. This continues throughout the novel, seriously clouds Clonfert's judgment, and drives Clonfert into a suicidal attack toward the end of the novel. Discuss the following:

1. Is professional rivalry between commanders on the same "side" helpful or harmful to the goal of winning a battle and/or war? Explain using examples from the book.

2. Competition in many forms is an acceptable state in most cultures. Do you think competition is a positive attribute of our culture? Explain with examples.

3. What happens when competition becomes obsession? Give examples.

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This section contains 409 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample