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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 six, how long is Maturin on the rocky islets?

2. Why must Maturin be rushed away from the duel scene?

3. Why does Aubrey meet with the first lieutenant Stourton shortly after the ship sets sail out of Bombay?

4. What is Aubrey's reaction to Stanhope's demise?

5. What does Canning do to Maturin?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Maturin's desired outcome for Canning not come to pass?

3. Is there any point in the long voyage when the people on board are in grave danger?

4. Why does Aubrey call together the captains when the H.M.S. Surprise returns to the China fleet?

5. What do his interactions with Dil and Diana in chapter seven suggest about Maturin's view of his role with women?

6. What is Maturin's goal at the duel?

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

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

9. Why is Maturin's recovery of health surprising in chapter six?

10. By the time the H.M.S. Surprise reaches Bombay, what is the condition of the ship and the crew and passengers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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