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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. Why does Captain Thomas refuse to speak to Maturin soon after the dinner starts?

2. What is Aubrey's commander's response?

3. What does Maturin do when he talks to Mrs. Williams?

4. What relation is Diana to Mrs. Williams?

5. What does Maturin tell Clarissa he will do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who visits Stephen in Bantry and what does he tell Stephen?

2. What happens during the meeting of all captains?

3. What happens at the officer's mess that almost starts a fight?

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

5. What does Pullings say to Aubrey about Captain Thomas?

6. Whose death does Maturin learn of as he is traveling to meet Diana, and how does she receive Maturin?

7. Describe the squadron's first capture.

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

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

10. How does Mrs. Williams demonstrate her obnoxious personality?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Commodore is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following.

1. What are two advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are two disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Many events that happen in The Commodore are foreshadowed by previous events and/or signs. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "foreshadow."

2. Why would an author use foreshadowing? Do you think it adds or detracts from your experience as a reader? Explain.

3. Trace and analyze five instances of foreshadowing in The Commodore. Match up what is mentioned earlier and what it foreshadows. Did you guess that each instance of foreshadowing was a "heads up" of something to come? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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