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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 vessel will Aubrey be captaining once he arrives in England?

2. Why does Maturin leave the cricket match?

3. How does Maturin arouse humor among the cricket players and audience?

4. Who is Pontet-Canet?

5. What game does Maturin believe cricket resembles?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are a couple signs that things are not going well for the men in the boat?

2. Why would the men welcome being on board the HMS Java though it is quite crammed with people?

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

4. Why do you think Aubrey argues so strenuously to retain his lieutenants and midshipmen?

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

6. What do you think it means that Raikes' body was gnawed upon and do you think that is acceptable?

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

8. Who is Mrs. Wogan and how does she figure in the previous novel, which is mentioned in the initial chapters of this novel?

9. Why do you think the USS Constitution leads the Java on a long chase to sea?

10. Why is it somewhat miraculous that the HMS Leopard pulls into Pulo Batang successfully?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Maturin acts as a covert agency for the Crown and in the previous book, gives Wogan false intelligence that results in several French intelligence agents being killed as double agents. Discuss the following:

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 how he and Aubrey fare in Boston after being captured by the Americans?

3. Do you see any conflict of interests between being a doctor and also a covert operator? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in this book and in the others 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.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of THE FORTUNE IN WAR.

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of THE FORTUNE IN WAR.

(see the answer keys)

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