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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 does Maturin hint to Aubrey at Aubrey's home?

2. What happens when the Minnie is chased as planned?

3. What is the approximate crew capacity of the Ariel?

4. What does Aubrey have to do when the people in the small boat do not heed his warning?

5. For what is Aubrey searching?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Ariel slow the Médusae down enough for the HMS Jason to catch the Médusae?

2. Why is Aubrey concerned when there is stormy weather?

3. How does the Minnie complete her mission?

4. What are a couple ill omens that Aubrey experiences that gives him the jitters?

5. What does Maturin suggest the Ariel do to convince the lookouts at Grimsholm that the Minnie is a friendly vessel?

6. Briefly describe Ariel's Senior Lieutenant, Hyde.

7. Who does the Ariel encounter and what does Aubrey decide to do?

8. Why is Hyde cutting Jagiello's meat and what happens at dinner one evening when Hyde does so?

9. Describe the actions that lead to the wreck of the Ariel.

10. What is the emergency to which Aubrey awakens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During this era in which THE SURGEON'S MATE is set, there are strongly-adhered-to class distinctions. Aubrey and Maturin are both gentlemen. Discuss one of the following:

1. How do the divisions of class tend to make divisions among men? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a class-based society? What evidence is there of those advantages and disadvantages in THE SURGEON'S MATE?

2. In the English military of that era, nobles and gentlemen generally were the officers and very few of the working or peasant class could cross the line into officer territory. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?

3. Do you think there is a class system in the United States? Does it carry over to the military? Why or why not? (Some research may be required.)

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in THE SURGEON'S MATE.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of THE SURGEON'S MATE. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of THE SURGEON'S MATE. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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