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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 arrives to meet with Maturin?

2. What does Maturin wish he had brought with him?

3. About what does Aubrey express anxiety?

4. Who is leaving the Commodore's office when Stephen arrives?

5. How does Aubrey respond to Maturin's request?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Maturin go to see in London and what does Maturin give the man he visits?

2. What does Maturin tell Aubrey about Diana and Brigid?

3. How are the readers show a very different side of Aubrey through his children?

4. What does Sir Blaine tell Maturin about Aubrey's next assignment?

5. How does Maturin react when he reviews the accommodations for sick crew members on the Bellona?

6. What is Padeen teaching Brigid, and what is Stephen's reaction?

7. What happens when Stephen returns from Sinon?

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

9. What conflict exists among the servants at Aubrey's estate?

10. What happens just as Aubrey is contemplating leaving Thames behind?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in The Hundred Days.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles/hostile actions between two vessels described in the novel with one from WWII.

Essay Topic 2

The Commodore, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Commodore and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Patrick O'Brian.

2. What in O'Brian's background may have helped him in writing The Maze? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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