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. What unusual object does Maturin find in his holsters?

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

3. What relation is Sophia to Frances?

4. What two sailors who had previously sailed with Aubrey sign up to crew the Polychrest?

5. Which character appears in threadbare dress and covered with crumbs at a dinner party hosted by Mrs. Williams at Mapes Court?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Captain Aubrey and Doctor Maturin lend their support to England in its war against France?

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

3. What are traits that Aubrey and Maturin admire in Diana?

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

5. What type of experiences has Diana Villiers had in contrast to those of her cousins, the Williams sisters?

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

7. How do Sophia and Diana defy their respective personality traits and demeanors in their pursuit of Captain Aubrey?

8. What does Diana Villiers have in common with her three cousins, the Williams sisters?

9. Why does Captain Aubrey feel compelled to warn Doctor Maturin about the highwaymen?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Doctor Maturin perpetually seeks approval and affection from Diana Villiers while the crew aboard the Polychrest seeks approval and respect from First Lieutenant Parker. Diana repeatedly rejects the Doctor, and treats him cruelly. Parker repeatedly rejects the Polychrest crew and treats them with cruelty. Write an essay focusing on whether or not either Maturin or the Polychrest crew will ever be able to gain the approval that they seek. Support your position with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

The scuffle between Aubrey and a Adam Scriven exhibits the literary technique of irony. Detail how the roles that each man plays in generating events that catapult irony to the forefront.

Essay Topic 3

Two love triangles take form, become apparent, and last throughout the book. Write an essay detailing examples comprising their competition. Opine who, if anyone, is likely to win at the game of love and explain why.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 650 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample