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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. Why is Aubrey uncertain about Maturin's response to the fleet's orders?
2. What does Aubrey hope to do concerning the ship that is spotted?
3. How does Captain Thomas treat his crew?
4. Who is Parson Hinksey?
5. What does Stephen wonder about his use of cocoa leaves?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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 2
Many events that happen in The Commodore are foreshadowed by previous events and/or signs. Discuss the following:
1. Define the literary term "foreshadow."
2. Why would an author use foreshadowing? Do you think it adds or detracts from your experience as a reader? Explain.
3. Trace and analyze five instances of foreshadowing in The Commodore. Match up what is mentioned earlier and what it foreshadows. Did you guess that each instance of foreshadowing was a "heads up" of something to come? Why or why not.
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.
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This section contains 2,361 words (approx. 8 pages at 300 words per page) |
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