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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. Who accompanies Aubrey and his crew?

2. What kind of meeting does Maturin have that morning?

3. What is the Dromedary?

4. How long does Aubrey think it will be before the Surprise is ready to sail?

5. Who helps Ponto?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the Dromedary early and what is the effect of that?

2. What does Aubrey do with his prize money?

3. What is Ramadan?

4. Who do Aubrey and his crew meet in Mubara and what does he tell them?

5. Who is Dr. Graham and about what is he concerned?

6. Discuss the goings on of the man Andrew Wray.

7. What does Aubrey decide to do about Mrs. Fielding and why?

8. What does Aubrey learn about the Worcester and Surprise when he meets with the Admiral?

9. What is Captain Aubrey's specific situation?

10. Why is Aubrey disappointed, but what cheers him up?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Treason then, as now, is considered one of the most heinous crimes a citizen can commit and is often punishable by death. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think treason is considered to be so detestable than as now?

2. Do you think the crime of treason is always bad enough to warrant a death sentence? Should the spy who betrays the English so that they do not find the treasure ship be punished with death? Why or why not?

3. During WWII, many Germans performed treasonous acts for the Allies because they believed the acts of Hitler were immoral. Do you think they should have been punished after the war by the German government? Why or why not? Should the allied nations protect those "traitors" that gave them information to help their cause in defeating Hitler? Is it treason to fight against an corrupt and immoral government in your country?

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 Treason's Harbour.

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

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Treason's Harbour based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if it is a successful novel. Explain your rationale with specific examples.

3. Do you think the fact that Treason's Harbour falls within the genre of historical fiction changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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