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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. Why is Herapath glad that Villiers is leaving?

2. Who is Caroline?

3. Why would Maturin even consider becoming a double agent?

4. Why does Maturin speak to a priest?

5. Who goes into the hotel to retrieve Maturin and Villiers?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think Aubrey feels it is justified to violate his "parole," which he gives as an officer and gentleman?

2. How does Maturin figure out that he has been identified as the intelligence officer and what is the implication?

3. About what does Maturin caution Villiers and why do you think he does so?

4. Who is Harry Johnson and what is his connection to Wogan?

5. What does Maturin find in Johnson's papers and what is the implication?

6. What does Maturin do that seems contrary to his work as a doctor?

7. Why does Maturin hedge about being an agent even though he has no intention of accepting the position?

8. How does Maturin explain his engagement to Villiers to Aubrey and what does this engagement say about Maturin's character?

9. What does Wogan attempt to persuade Maturin to agree to and how do you think he may feel about it?

10. Why would Maturin and Johnson have a discussion about birds and how does this discussion enhance the playful tone of the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

When the Java is conquered by the USS Constitution, the sailors are put in prison while the officers are paroled and given freedom of movement. Discuss the following:

1. Is it fair that only officers are paroled? Why do you think this is the case back then?

2. Do you think the tradition of paroling Officers who are captured in war is still extant today? Why or why not?

3. What institution uses the concept of "parole" today and how does it work? Is it used on supposedly honorable people as it was back then?

Essay Topic 3

Along with superstitions, the ships crew seem to find mystical meanings in various symbols. Discuss the following:

1. What are six symbols in THE FORTUNE IN WAR and their meanings. Are the meanings logical or based upon superstitions?

2. Discuss three metaphors in the novel and their impact on the understanding of the plot.

3. Discuss O'Brian's narrative style as it applies to his descriptions. Is his style effective? Interesting? Lively?

(see the answer keys)

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