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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. As the days go by, what game do Captain Jack Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin play often?

2. How many pounds of body weight does Captain Aubrey lose during the arduous journey across France on foot?

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

4. Who does Mrs. Williams declare to be a perfect match for Captain Aubrey?

5. Who is Dr. Stephen Maturin is apparently attracted to throughout Post Captain?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. How do the eligible bachelors from Polcary Downs socialize with the eligible women next door at Mapes Court?

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

8. How does Doctor Maturin's unrequited love for Diana affect him?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A common thread throughout Post Captain is the emotional distress inflicted by Diana upon Doctor Maturin. Midway through the book, Matutrin states that he deplores the mistreatment of men, after having witnessed the abusive treatment of the Polychrest crew by Lieutenant Parker. Write an essay focusing on the irony in Maturin's statement concerning his abhorrence toward the mistreatment of men. Examine the validity of his statement in relation to his actions that repeatedly place him in the presence of Diana and result in emotional pain.

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

Mrs. Williams is constantly measuring the financial worthiness of prospective suitors for the hand of her daughter, Sophia. In contrast, Sophia is constantly measuring the level of genuine devotion and affection that Captain Aubrey harbors toward her. Whose relationship philosophy is best illustrated in the union that takes place between Aubrey and Sophia? Is it that of Mrs. Williams, or of Sophia? Support your position with examples from the text.

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