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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. About what woman does Maturin think during chapter six?

2. What benefit does Mr. Hervey's uncle arrange for Aubrey in Bombay?

3. What ideas does Aubrey take from his time with the China fleet?

4. Who dies from his wounds a few days after the H.M.S. Surprise is in a battle with the French?

5. Is Stanhope the only passenger on the H.M.S. Surprise who suffers from seasickness?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What details about Diana's life in chapter seven suggest her morality might be questionable?

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

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

7. What is Maturin's reaction to Dil's death?

8. Why might Pullings be disappointed with the actions of Mr. Hervey's uncle while the H.M.S. Surprise is anchored at Bombay?

9. How do you describe Stanhope and his entourage from the stand point of the H.M.S. Surprise crew?

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

Political influence, then as now, often gets things done. Describe how political influence is used in the novel by both Maturin and Sir Joseph.

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

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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