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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 fact about the Polychrest leads Captain Aubrey and two of his officers to re-design the ship's rigging?

2. Post Captain Aubrey is lectured by Doctor Maturin about the manifest intelligence of _____________.

3. Who is saved by Captain Aubrey after falling off the Polychrest's rigging?

4. What subject matter do Diane and Sophia argue about that results in Diana moving away from Mapes Court?

5. Upon her departure from Mapes Court, what relative with mental deficiencies does Diana Villiers stay with?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Aubrey display his happiness in being promoted to Post Captain?

2. What is the underlying reason why Aubrey turns his attention away from Sophia and begins pursuing Diana?

3. How does Post Captain Aubrey manage to get the government to finance the practicing of great guns aboard the H.M.S. Lively?

4. Since Captain Aubrey is able to reach a romantic understanding with Sophia during their trip aboard the H.M.S. Lively, is it feasible for the Captain to continue trying to attain wealth to gain approval from Mrs. Williams?

5. What makes it difficult for the Polychrest to enter the French port where the target ship is located?

6. How does Doctor Maturin continue to agonize over Diana?

7. What is the reason that Diana leaves Mapes Court?

8. In what way could Captain Aubrey benefit by pursuing personal gain over duty while in command of the Polychrest?

9. How do Captain Aubrey and his crew manage to free the Polychrest after it runs aground?

10. How do Smithers and Maturin even the score with one another?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The placement of Captain Aubrey and Adam Scriven outside Lady Keith's house following her party is a good example of the literary technique known as simile. Explain. If you disagree and believe that antithesis is more prevalent than simile in this scene, explain this position.

Essay Topic 2

The novel shifts between periods of war and peace. Write an essay focusing on whether you feel that peace or war is more prevalent throughout Post Captain.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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