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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. Who do Captain Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin compare notes on, and secretly, mutually desire following the ball

2. Why does Captain Aubrey decline Diana Villier's invitation to meet on the day following Lady Keith's dinner party?

3. What group of people are converted into crew members for the Polychrest?

4. What does Scriven teach Captain Aubrey to do?

5. What position is held by MacDonald aboard the Polychrest?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How are Bellone's men able to board the Indiaman Lord Nelson during the naval engagement?

3. What do Aubrey and Maturin engage in with their host, French Captain Christy-Palliere during their first few days in Toulon?

4. How do Diana and Sophia differ in demeanor and personality?

5. How is Pullings instrumental in helping Captain Aubrey recruit crew members for the Polychrest?

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

7. How does Mrs. Williams attempt to reserve Captain Aubrey for her daughter, Sophia?

8. What has French military leader and politician Napoleon Bonaparte ordered in relation to England and her countrymen?

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

10. How does Adam Scriven help Aubrey cope with his fear of being confined to debtor's prison?

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

Despite the severe hardship that Aubrey's crew has had to endure from Parker because Aubrey repeatedly makes choices placing the working sailors directly in the line of fire of his tyrannical first lieutenant, they remain loyal to Aubrey. Detail the instances in which Aubrey makes decisions that result in the crew's exposure to abuse by Parker. Is the crew is correct in remaining silent, or should they be more assertive and make their sentiments known to their captain.

Essay Topic 3

Within a day's time, Captain Jack Aubrey transforms from the life of a wealthy gentleman of means to living the life of a penniless bum. Do you agree or disagree that a transformation of that type could take place within such an abbreviated period of time? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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