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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. Who represents the East India Company in Calcutta?

2. What does Stanhope's physical condition push Aubrey to do in spite of safety concerns?

3. What is Maturin's solution to his problems with Canning?

4. What gift does Maturin make to Dil?

5. What does Canning do to Maturin?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are Mr. Ahmed Smyth and Atkins at odds with one another?

2. How are Aubrey and Maturin's lives complicated by women in chapter seven?

3. What are Aubrey's thoughts on the physical distance between him and Linois with the French Armada?

4. How effective is Maturin's solution for Stanhope's health after the convulsing?

5. Why is Stephen Maturin so visibly upset when he returns to the H.M.S. Surprise in chapter eight?

6. Why does Commodore temper his excitement after the sea victory?

7. Why is Babbinton's promotion only considered an acting appointment?

8. How do Aubrey and Stourton differ in their approaches to leadership on the ship?

9. What is the Marine Captain Etherege's approach to Maturin's desire to get satisfaction from Canning?

10. Both Aubrey and Maturin entertain their shipmate's with stories and knowledge of sailing. Which man is more credible?

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

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 3

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?

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