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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 visit Maturin during his convalescence to record his experiences with the French at Minorca?

2. Where does Sophie's meeting with Maturin in chapter one take place?

3. What is the name of the officer who witnesses the Port Mahon rescue and slips into the night?

4. In chapter one, with whom does Sophie Williams meet?

5. On the way to the reunion with H.M.S. Lively's regular captain, Aubrey is supposed to rendezvous with whom?

Short Essay Questions

1. During the inspection, under Aubrey's command, what type of state does he want the vessel to be under?

2. What prospects of freedom do the freed prisoners have?

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

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

5. Why does Maturin discuss Captain Jack Aubrey with Sophie?

6. Why do Diana Villiers and Richard Canning leave England for India?

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

8. Describe Dr. Stephen Maturin's relationship with Sophie Williams.

9. How does Jack Aubrey come to command the H.M.S. Lively?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A long voyage could be compared to a person's life. The voyage of the H.M.S. Surprise is months long and filled with adventure as well as some tedium. How does the voyage with its unsuccessful mission represent Aubrey's life?

Essay Topic 2

At times, the sea represents peace, particularly to Jack Aubrey. At other times in the novel, the sea causes death. Trace how the author uses the sea throughout the novel. Consider what the sea has to offer the crew of the H.M.S. Surprise. What does the sea offer to Aubrey in both challenges and opportunities? How does the sea affect the lives of the women in the novel? Do you think Aubrey will ever leave the sea for the cottage in his daydreams?

Essay Topic 3

Early in the novel, the Chinese and Japanese of the crew on the H.M.S. Lively massacre every one of the French men during the engagement near Cape Gooseberry. Aubrey leaves out the details of the violence when he writes to Sophia about the victory. Why do you think the pressed sailors are so brutal? By leaving out the details of the bloodshed, from what is Aubrey trying to protect Sophia? Is the excessive violence due to a cultural difference? What do you think Aubrey has to say about that?

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