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

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

3. Why does the First Lord's mention of Stephen Maturin shock and dismay Sir Joseph Blain?

4. What close friend do Sophie and Dr. Stephen Maturin have in common?

5. What does Aubrey leave on the H.M.S. Surprise as a token of an earlier encounter?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. During Aubrey's problems in chapter four, how does the relationship between Mrs. Williams and Sophie fare?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Besides problems with previous debts, what other disadvantage is there for Aubrey when ashore in England?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

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?

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