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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. Where will the French squadron really sail for?

2. Where is Maturin almost overtaken while riding?

3. What is said about Clarissa Oakes?

4. How is Captain Thomas characterized?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Dundas ask of Aubrey and what is the consequences of Aubrey helping Dundas?

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

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

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

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

8. Who is Whewell and how can he help in the fleet's mission?

9. What does Mrs. Williams say about Clarissa Oakes?

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

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

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss The Commodore based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if it is a successful novel. Explain your rationale with specific examples.

3. Do you think the fact that The Commodore falls within the genre of historical fiction changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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