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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 Dundas ask of Aubrey when he is aboard Surprise?

2. At what game did Dundas once beat Aubrey?

3. Who is Brigid?

4. What does Mrs. Williams' snide remark concern about Aubrey's uniform?

5. Who arrives to meet with Maturin?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What happens in the dinner with Maturin?

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

5. Why is Sophie angry with her husband after attending a dinner at Stephen's cottage?

6. What do Bonden and Killick discuss in secret?

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

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

9. What does Maturin say about Sarah and Emily?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, etc...the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

4. Which vessel(s) are mentioned in The Commodore that fall(s) under this maritime law and what are the circumstances of their capture? Does it seem fair?

Essay Topic 2

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and both Maturin and Aubrey are no exceptions.

1. Trace and analyze situations when Maturin and Aubrey each demonstrates his admirable traits. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze both Maturin and Aubrey's character flaws, and explain how the flaws create more complex and believable characters. How do you think either man's character flaws make some situations more difficult for him?

3. After analyzing each man's strengths and weaknesses, decide if each man is an appropriate "hero" of the story. Is there anyone else who might be a more admirable "hero"?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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