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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. What dangers does the H.M.S. Surprise face on the way to Calcutta?

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

3. Who becomes second lieutenant after Nicolls is gone?

4. In what direction is the H.M.S. Surprise headed while in the sea near Brazil?

5. What consumes all of Aubrey's time while the H.M.S. Surprise is anchored at Bombay?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How does the East India Company reward Aubrey and the the East India Company?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Foreshadowing is a plot device that prepares the readers for turns the story may take. Discuss foreshadowing in the novel. What happens or appears early in the novel and comes to be important in later chapters?

Essay Topic 2

Stephen Maturin does not have official status aboard the H.M.S. Surprise. Although he serves as the ship's physician, Maturin is not a naval officer. How then does he relate to the crew? How does he treat the men, and what do they think of him?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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