The Fortune of War | Topics for Discussion & Projects

The Fortune of War Topics for Discussion

The novel's title, The Fortune of War, is a colloquial phrase of frequent use. Describe events in the novel that properly can be attributed to the fortune of war. Might the title also be interpreted different? How?

The novel presents a fair amount of toilet humor—Maturin's opponent in love is named Harry Johnson, and Harry Johnson admires Maturin's expertise with boobies. Discuss how this type of bawdy humor functions to make the narrative accessible to a modern reader.

Maturin has burned with intimate desire for Villiers for many years, yet as he hides in her bed he realizes that the flame of love has gone out. Villiers remains a close friend and trusted ally, but she is no longer the object of his desire. Discuss the nature of love in the novel.

In one scene a gruff lieutenant admires the beauty—the physical beauty—of a young midshipman. Maturin ponders the difficulties...
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