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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 Aubrey asked to do repeatedly?

2. How does Villiers fare at the beginning of the sea voyage?

3. Where does the vessel carrying Aubrey and company arrive?

4. What does Aubrey desperately want to do?

5. Who gave Villiers the diamond necklace?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who pursues the Diligence and what is the outcome?

2. Where do Maturin and Villiers travel and what do they do?

3. What does Villiers confide in Maturin and how does he respond?

4. How does Maturin pass the time at the ball?

5. Describe Stephen Maturin.

6. What is Aubrey's homecoming like?

7. What is one of Villier's prized possessions and how does she come by it?

8. Describe Diana Villiers.

9. Describe Sophie Aubrey.

10. Describe the meeting and interaction between Aubrey and Amanda Smith.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Not only is Great Britian engaged in a war against France and Napoleon's allies, it is at the time of THE SURGEON'S MATE engaged in a war with the United States, later named the War of 1812. Discuss the following:

1. What is the War of 1812 and why does it occur? Do you think the British or Americans are most to blame for the problems that engender the war? Which side does O'Brian show the most sympathy?

2. How does it feel if you are from the United States to read about a war from the perspective of the "enemy"? How does that affect your reactions to the events in the book?

3. What do you think are the unique problems for Great Britain in being engaged in wars on two different fronts? Do you think Great Britain was unwise in not settling the issues with the United States rather than going to war? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in Mauritius.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles/hostile actions between two vessels described in the novel with one from WWII.

Essay Topic 3

Aubrey is an officer and a gentleman and is therefore accorded more respect and trust even in enemy territory than the common sailor. Discuss the following:

1. Does it seem likely that officers are usually more respectable than enlisted men back then? What about today? Why or why not.

2. Aubrey has an adulterous affair with Amanda Smith in Halifax. Do you think this is how an officer and gentleman comports himself? Why or why not.

3. In the present military in the United States, both officers and enlisted can be held for court martial for adultery or having sexual relations with someone of inferior rank. Why do you think this is so? Do you agree with the policy?

4. In the time in which THE SURGEON'S MATE is set, an officer's word was assumed to always be good; whereas a non-officer was not considered trustworthy. What is the flaw in this standard? Do you think it affects them moral and/or morals of non-officers? How?

(see the answer keys)

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