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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 Aubrey think he should do about Waakzaamheid?

2. What do they have to do to Leopard before they can repair her hull?

3. What does Maturin decide about Wogan and Herapath?

4. What is sighted on the sea in Chapter 6?

5. What does Aubrey do after the ship is repaired?

Short Essay Questions

1. La Fayette has a forge but Aubrey cannot in good conscience request a favor--England and America are nearly at war. Explain why Aubrey's decision to not ask for help was irresponsible to his crew and ship.

2. How does Aubrey win the battle with the Dutch ship?

3. Why is Leopard in danger in Chapter 8 and how much danger is there?

4. The novel thus ends with Leopard ready to sail and Maturin finally freed of his weighty intelligence responsibilities. Do you think this ending was complete?

5. How does the author attempt to make Aubrey appear?

6. How does Aubrey feel when the Dutch ship sinks?

7. What does Aubrey have done to his cabin and why?

8. What does Aubrey decide to do after missing an island on which to land and who does he bring up as a possible reason for pessimism?

9. Of particular interest is the technical discussion concerning scurvy and Maturin's rather ridiculous speech regarding the desirability of flatulence. Indeed, the medical practices of the time are compelling and, one leaves one wondering about their efficacy. What do you think the mortality rate for medical treatment in those times might be? Explain your answer.

10. Why do you think Maturin planted false information with Wogan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in this book 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?

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 2

An American spy, Mrs. Wogan will accompany Maturin and Aubrey on the Leopard. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think a female American is a spy for the British?

2. Compare the difference between how Maturin and Aubrey treat Mrs. Wogan.

3. Do you think it was solely for professional reasons that Maturin in the auspices of the ship's surgeon, examines Mrs. Wogan?

4. In that era, most sailors believe woman should not be on a ship and they brought bad luck. Do you think any of that attitude is still present in the seagoing services (US Navy, US Coast Guard and Merchant Marines). This may require some research.

Essay Topic 3

During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, etc...the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

(see the answer keys)

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