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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Maturin leave the cricket match?
(a) He is called away to assist in preparation of some documents.
(b) He is feeling ill.
(c) He has to treat a crewmember who is cut up in a fight.
(d) He is feeling the need for some laudenum.

2. How was the news disseminated?
(a) From Maturin's wife.
(b) From one of the sailors who deserted the Leopard.
(c) Via a letter from Diana Villiers.
(d) Through Admiral Nelson's aide.

3. What war do they learn has erupted?
(a) Between France and Russia.
(b) Between England and Russia.
(c) Between France and the United States of America.
(d) Between England and the United States of America.

4. What are in the letters to Sophie?
(a) Questions about his new son.
(b) Information about Aubrey's upcoming assignment.
(c) Aubrey's thoughts and reports of many current events.
(d) Questions about news at home.

5. Upon what vessel is Aubrey traveling to England?
(a) The HMS Fortune.
(b) A small private merchant vessel.
(c) The La Flèche.
(d) The HMS Northhampton.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many men are in Aubrey's life boat?

2. Where does La Flèche stop to resupply?

3. Over what does Maturin agonize when on board the La Flèche?

4. How does Maturin almost make a serious faux pas?

5. What is in the Java's favor?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the boats become separated and what are the advantages and disadvantages of that happening?

2. Do you think it would be difficult for the men to stay optimistic if after spotting a ship but they do not see you?

3. What do you think is a possible cause of La Flèche catching fire and exploding?

4. Do you think it is helpful for the author to present some background information from other books in the series, particularly the one just preceding this one?

5. Why is Aubrey depressed at the news of the war?

6. Why do you think it would be a serious faux pas to not attend the Captain's table to which one is invited in order to manage one's specimens as Maturin almost does?

7. What does Maturin learn that explains the Navy's treatment of Aubrey?

8. What surprises Aubrey once he is quartered at Asclepia?

9. Why do you think the sailors on board La Flèche do not take the war with the United States very seriously?

10. What do you think it means that the officers are paroled and why is this so?

(see the answer keys)

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