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

Short Answer Questions

1. What has Aubrey worried?

2. How does Maturin react to Gifford's concerns?

3. On whose ship is Whewell?

4. What is Barham Down?

5. Who does Aubrey's fleet capture?

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. Trace and analyze the theme of manipulation and power in The Commodore. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with manipulation and power? Why? What are some symbols of manipulation and power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of war in The Commodore. Why is Britain engaged in a war? What are some symbols of war that occur in the book? Is the war justified? Does Aubrey and his crew perform with honor as warriors? Do you think their behavior to the enemy would be in accordance with the Geneva Conventions (you may need to research this)?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death. How does the world of Aubrey's time seem to view death? Who tries to avoid killing? Who seems to kill for frivolous reasons? Who seems afraid of dying? Not afraid? Who meets death gracefully? In resignation? With joy? With fear?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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