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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. In chapter one, why is Diana Villiers' recent relationship with a man such a scandal?

2. Maturin pays to stay informed of the whereabouts of whom?

3. Who is Richard Canning?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What negative influences have an impact on Jack Aubrey's career?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compare and contrast the two vessels Jack Aubrey commands in the novel. Consider crews, assigned missions, Aubrey's comfort level, descriptions of the actual ships, and any other factor that is present in both. Conclude which is the better vessel over all for Aubrey's career advancement and why.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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?

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This section contains 712 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample