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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. Among the vessels of Linois, which is the most imposing to Aubrey?

2. What relationship, if any, does Aubrey have with the captain of the Seringapatam?

3. What does Maturin do to at least partly ease his conscience about Dil's murder?

4. What diet addition helps the crew of the H.M.S. Surprise combat scurvy?

5. Who leads the French Armada?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why is Maturin's meeting with Canning awkward?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Both Stephen Maturin and Jack Aubrey assert control of their destinies. Maturin has the advantage of fortune, but Aubrey's heroism gains him position as well. What about the two major female characters? Do Sophia and Diana have control over their own fates? How does each woman assert herself?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

As the two major characters in H.M.S. Surprise, are Stephen Maturin and Jack Aubrey foils for one another? Does each man stand out because the other is available for comparison?

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