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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. With what kind of communication does Aubrey augment the initial method of light flashes at Minorca?

2. When church services are held on Sunday in chapter 5, who preaches the sermon?

3. How does Mrs. Williams react to Aubrey's situation in chapter four?

4. What does Margall tell Aubrey about Maturin's status on Minorca?

5. Besides seeking treatment in England, what else does Maturin think helps him recover his health after Port Mahon?

Short Essay Questions

1. What details does Aubrey omit from his letter to Sophie about the land raid he and the crew perform while headed for Minorca?

2. What do Aubrey and his men intend to do when they gather at the prison where Maturin is being held?

3. After the planned rendezvous with Maturin at Minorca, what is Captain Aubrey supposed to do concerning the H.M.S. Lively?

4. Why is the whereabouts of the French officer Dutourd a potential problem?

5. What special advantage is there in Aubrey's capturing of the French gunboat?

6. How does Aubrey learn he is to break station and sail to Minorca?

7. What does Sophie Williams think of Maturin's approach to wooing Diana Villiers?

8. Why do Bonden and Killick stay with Stephen when they all return to England in chapter four?

9. Why is the voyage to Kampong be good for Stephen Maturin?

10. What are the features of port blockade for Aubrey's command ship?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The H.M.S. Surprise by Patrick O'Brian is set in history over 200 years ago. Do you think the story can be told as well if set in today's society? What major changes can be made? How might the morality of society and the characters be different?

Essay Topic 2

Foreshadowing is a plot device that prepares the readers for turns the story may take. Discuss foreshadowing in the novel. What happens or appears early in the novel and comes to be important in later chapters?

Essay Topic 3

How does the author use symbolism in the novel? How do the symbols contribute to the book?

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