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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. What do Aubrey and the Leopard crew volunteer to do?
3. What has been the outcome of those encounters?
4. Why does Christmas of 1812 pass with some gloom?
5. How does Maturin almost make a serious faux pas?
Short Essay Questions
1. What surprises Aubrey once he is quartered at Asclepia?
2. 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?
3. Why do the boats become separated and what are the advantages and disadvantages of that happening?
4. Why do you think Aubrey argues so strenuously to retain his lieutenants and midshipmen?
5. Why would the men welcome being on board the HMS Java though it is quite crammed with people?
6. Do you think it would be difficult for the men to stay optimistic if after spotting a ship but they do not see you?
7. Why do you think the sailors on board La Flèche do not take the war with the United States very seriously?
8. How would you respond to being in open sea in an eighteen-foot boat with twelve other people?
9. What answers Aubrey's unspoken question as to why the Captain of the Java does not first engage in long-range gunfire before closing to board?
10. What do you think it means that Raikes' body was gnawed upon and do you think that is acceptable?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Though this novel is probably more action driven rather than character driven, obviously there are several characters who make the novel what it is. Discuss one of the following:
1. Compare/contrast the characters of Aubrey and Lambert.
2. Compare/contrast the characters of Maturin and McLean.
3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Jack Aubrey, discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.
Essay Topic 2
Though the author O'Brian may or may not have such personal views on women, the way women are characterized in his naval series is often less than complimentary. Discuss one of the following:
1. Present and analyze the treatment of women in THE FORTUNE OF WAR.
2. O'Brian is trying to be historically accurate, so is his treatment of women in his book(s) justified?
3. Is there any way O'Brian could have presented women in a more positive light and still stayed historically accurate? Explain.
Essay Topic 3
This story is a bit different from many others in O'Brian's series about Aubrey in that the war that is focused upon is that between the United States and Britain. Discuss the following:
1. If you are a citizen of the United States, how does it feel to be reading a book where the hero/protagonist is opposed to your country?
2. Did you find yourself supportive of Aubrey despite the fact that he is actually "the enemy" if you are a citizen of the U.S.?
3. How different do you think your response to this novel would be if the point of view were from the Captain of the USS Constitution or Chesapeake?
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This section contains 1,111 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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