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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. Sophie talks to Maturin in chapter one about the temporary assignment of whom?

2. At the close of chapter three, what symbol of peace does Aubrey return to?

3. Is there any lingering worry tied to the escape at Port Mahon?

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

5. What problems, if any, does the inspection of the H.M.S. Surprise uncover?

Short Essay Questions

1. What allusion does Maturin make while marooned on the rocks?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. If the sea can represent peace to someone like Aubrey, how are the results of the terrible storm ironic?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How do letters advance the plot of the novel? Think about letters written by any of the major characters. What kind of information does the author give the reader through letters? Are the letters an effective means of moving the plot?

Essay Topic 2

Both Stephen Maturin and Jack Aubrey assert control of their destinies. Maturin has the advantage of fortune, but Aubrey's heroism gains him position as well. What about the two major female characters? Do Sophia and Diana have control over their own fates? How does each woman assert herself?

Essay Topic 3

Weather plays quite a role in the novel. What impact do the storms at sea in particular have on Aubrey and Maturin?

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