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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 type of religion does Vidal practice?

2. Who good is Aubrey at predicting Franklin's movements?

3. Of what does Vidal complain to Maturin?

4. What do the various religious groups' men do when aboard ship?

5. What does Dutourd ignore when aboard the Surprise?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Maturin think Clarissa has to do with Martin's present state of mind?

2. What were the mortar rounds the Surprise crew thought were being sent at them?

3. How does Dutourd conduct himself on board Surprise and how does Aubrey feel about him?

4. How have the crew fared during the event at the beginning of Chapter 2?

5. What are two promotions Aubrey makes from the forecastle to replace recent losses?

6. What does Franklin do to attempt to lose Surprise?

7. How did Clarissa affect the crew of the Surprise?

8. What type of mix is Surprise's crew and for what are some of the older members known?

9. Why is West on the Surprise and what does he hope to obtain from Aubrey?

10. What does Surprise do about Franklin after they have made the most urgent repairs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Wine-dark Sea, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note in that the Surprise was saved by an English battleship.

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Wine-dark Sea and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Wine-dark Sea is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. State what you think are three characteristics of a successful novel and whether or not The Wine-dark Sea in your opinion is a successful novel.

Essay Topic 2

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in The Wine-dark Sea and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed? Which is more interesting?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Aubrey who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

At the conclusion of a novel, most readers either consciously or unconsciously engage in processing the book and usually come to a conclusion as to whether they like the book or not. Discuss one of the following:

1. Would you consider The Wine-dark Sea a "good" book? Why or why not? Use examples to illustrate your stance.

2. What do you think are the elements of an outstanding novel? Analyze one of your favorite novels to see if those elements are present.

3. What are some reasons you might consider a novel a failure? Analyze a novel you think is a failure and see if those elements are in that novel.

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