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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 does Aubrey point out through his telescope?

2. What does Maturin tell Clarissa he will do?

3. How is the Surprise damaged?

4. What does Pullings say to Maturin about Captain Thomas and gun practice?

5. Under what circumstances does Maturin say Ireland is better off under English rule?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Aubrey learn when he opens his orders and what does he ask Maturin concerning the orders?

2. What happens when Jack and Sophie quarrel about Clarissa?

3. How long is Maturin ill and what is the fleet doing when he returns to consciousness?

4. What does Aubrey find when he gets home and what happens to him as he rides to Woolcombe?

5. What happens during the meeting of all captains?

6. About what does Gifford talk to Maturin and what is Maturin's reaction?

7. Why are two of the fleet's ships close to mutiny?

8. What does Blaine say about the "man with a limp"?

9. How is Captain Thomas characterized?

10. Who is Mr. Gray and what is his situation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At sea, the commander of a vessel is "God," and failure to obey the Captain's orders can subject one to court martial and even execution. Discuss the following:

1. Should sailors be held accountable for anything they do under orders? Discuss fully, using examples both from The Commodore and your own knowledge.

2. Why do you think mutiny on a ship is punishable by death?

3. Is there ever justification for a crew to mutiny?

4. Is it just for a captain to have that much power over his crew? What sort of abuses can this lead to?

Essay Topic 2

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in The Commodore and in the other books in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Aubrey who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Commodore.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Commodore. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Commodore. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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