View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. At what game did Dundas once beat Aubrey?

2. To where will the French squadron that departs from Lorient be ostensibly bound?

3. Why is Aubrey pleased to hear the Laurel will be joining his squadron?

4. What is said about Clarissa Oakes?

5. What does Maturin give the person he first visits?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Captain Thomas act when Stephen sees him coming out of Aubrey's office?

2. What happens as Stephen rides to Portsmouth?

3. What transpires when Maturin visits Mr. Houmouzios?

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

5. Briefly describe the confrontation with the French.

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

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

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

9. What happens during the meeting of all captains?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Maturin acts as a covert agency for the Crown and uses his intelligence connections to gain information about various French plots to harm England.

1. What sort of covert operations does Maturin undertake? How similar do you think his covert operations are to that of an organization such as the CIA of today?

2. How much does Maturin's covert operations effect good outcomes for the Aubrey's squadron and other British endeavors during The Comodore?

3. Do you see any conflict of interests between being a doctor and also a covert operator? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 2,941 words (approx. 10 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample