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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. During their short trip in the rowboat, what surprising weather catches Nicolls and Maturin off guard?

2. While traveling under the new orders, where does Aubrey engage in a skirmish with the French?

3. From whom does Aubrey receive several personal letters in Chapter two?

4. How does H.M.S. Lively get messages and mail while on blockade duty?

5. How does Maturin help Aubrey's career in Chapter four?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Maturin an advocate for Aubrey concerning the H.M.S. Surprise?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What set of circumstance allows Aubrey and some of his crew easy access to the French controlled Port Mahon?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Early in the novel, Stephen Maturin willingly discusses Jack Aubrey with Sophia who is engaged to Jack. That personal conversation contrasts with Maturin's awkward advice when Mr. Nicolls confesses misdeeds on their excursion to St. Paul's Rocks. What is the difference between the two conversations? What is Maturin's attitude toward Sophia and toward Nicolls? Does either conversation bring up any past incidents in Maturin's mind? What does Maturin's reaction in each conversation tell us about him?

Essay Topic 2

Maturin throws naval terms about, but really has little knowledge of the sea and sailing vessels. Aubrey is a man at home on the water, but he faints at a surgical procedure. Why are these two men such devoted friends to each other? What does each give and receive in the relationship?

Essay Topic 3

Diana is a social outcast, but Maturin wants to rehabilitate her reputation. She, at one point, seems to give in to his proposal to save her by marrying him. Examine the motives of each of these characters in this relationship. Is success in this couple doomed from the start? Does either one understand what the other wants?

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