View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Canning do to Maturin?

3. While in Bombay, what does Maturin learn becomes of Sophie's sisters?

4. At the end of chapter six, where does the ship arrive at harbor?

5. What gift does Maturin make to Dil?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Debtor's prison is a concept that is unfamiliar to today's Western society. What is the logic of a debtor's prison? What do we do today to a person who defaults on loans? Why do you think the author includes this concept?

Essay Topic 2

If it is the role of an antagonist to set obstacles in the way of the protagonist, who is then be considered the protagonist, and who is the antagonist in the novel? Explain using passages from the book.

Essay Topic 3

At times, the sea represents peace, particularly to Jack Aubrey. At other times in the novel, the sea causes death. Trace how the author uses the sea throughout the novel. Consider what the sea has to offer the crew of the H.M.S. Surprise. What does the sea offer to Aubrey in both challenges and opportunities? How does the sea affect the lives of the women in the novel? Do you think Aubrey will ever leave the sea for the cottage in his daydreams?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 898 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample