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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. Is the onslaught of the Port Mahon prison carried out by Aubrey's men a success?

2. When supplies run low on H.M.S. Lively, what do some of the crew resort to eating?

3. How long does the rescue of Maturin take?

4. Captain Jack Aubrey leaves the blockade when ordered to go where?

5. What is special about Sundays and debts in early 1800s England?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Does Maturin have any experience in counseling?

3. How does Maturin react to the prospect of collecting biological specimens?

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

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

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

7. What is the condition of the prisoner Maturin when Aubrey's crew take him away from the prison?

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

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

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

Stephen Maturin does not have official status aboard the H.M.S. Surprise. Although he serves as the ship's physician, Maturin is not a naval officer. How then does he relate to the crew? How does he treat the men, and what do they think of him?

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

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?

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