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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. Following the first in a series of dinner parties, which character contacts Captain Jack Aubrey to establish courteous relations?

2. What item does Diana ask Maturin to sell in order to buy cloth and threads to make herself a suitable dress for the formal ball?

3. What is the Polychrest armed with instead of long guns?

4. What historical ship could the Polychrest's design be partially based on?

5. Why does Captain Aubrey want the Indiaman Lord Nelson captured by the British?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Captain Aubrey turn the sources of negativity at Pullings's celebratory dinner into positive ones?

2. What are some of the actions and activities that Aubrey engages in upon his return to England with Maturin demonstrate his wealth?

3. How do Aubrey and Maturin react to one another's romantic interest in Diana?

4. What events act as catalysts to drive Captain Aubrey away from England and toward France?

5. Why is the Polychrest is appropriately nicknamed "the Carpenter's Mistake"?

6. What does the admiral visiting Mapes Court tell Mrs. Williams about Captain Jack Aubrey?

7. What does Aubrey learn about upon regaining consciousness after the battle?

8. What prevents Captain Aubrey from returning to the Admiralty in time for assignment to a prime sea command?

9. What taints the celebratory supper hosted by Tom Pullings family?

10. Why does Aubrey want the Indiaman Lord Nelson captured by vessels such as an English cutter or the H.M.S. Seagull?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Upon witnessing Aubrey saving a crewman from drowning, Doctor Maturin--a lifelong non-swimmer--is inspired and to learn how to swim. Based on your familiarity with the doctor's character, write an essay focusing on whether his inspiration and determination to learn how to swim is a genuine endeavor to be able to save himself and others from drowning, or whether he is more likely to be seeking the applause that he would be bound to receive in the event that he were to dive in and save lives? Support your position with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

A strong sense of patriotism and loyalty to one's mother country is woven throughout the fabric of Post Captain. Write an essay detailing who, what, where, when, and how this patriotism is depicted in the book.

Essay Topic 3

There are three distinct instances in which Captain Aubrey is lauded for turning what could have been a disastrous situation into a triumphant victory. Write an essay detailing one of the situations, elaborating on the factors that turn potential disaster into victory.

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