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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. How do Dundas and Aubrey know each other?

2. What are Jack's orders?

3. What does Maturin give Sir Blaine?

4. Who is Lalla?

5. What does Maturin reflect upon as he stops for a drink at an inn?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Maturin unable to take his first foray into the jungle at Freetown?

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

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

5. Where is Dundas during some bad weather?

6. For whom does Sophie hold a dinner and what happens about Maturin concerning the dinner?

7. What transpires when Maturin visits Mr. Houmouzios?

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

9. What happens as the fleet is leaving The Berlings and what is Aubrey's thought on the matter?

10. What does the Aurora bring and why are all the crews happy about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Patrick O'Brian has tried as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think The Commodore qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era (early 1800s) is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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