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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. Who does Wogan blame for the false information she gives the Americans?

2. Who is cleared in a court martial?

3. Who intervenes in Maturin's almost abduction?

4. Of what does George Herapath assure Maturin?

5. What is likely to happen with the escape of Aubrey and Maturin?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does George Herapath's attitude towards Wogan seem ironic or hypocritical?

3. What romantic complications add to the complexity of the novel?

4. What do you think is interesting about the fact that Johnson spends large sums of money and time gathering intelligence for the United States and is it likely that someone would do that in this age?

5. What happens that even in the midst of the drama of escape is humorous?

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

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

8. What is one thing that is perhaps likable about George Herapath?

9. Of what is George Herapath proud and what may be a little despicable about his attitude?

10. Why does Maturin think Wogan does not know he disseminated bad intelligence and what do you think he should do about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

There is a rather complicated romantic triangle (polyhedron might be a better description) of Johnson and Villiers, Johnson and Wogan, Wogan and Herapath, and Villiers and Maturin. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Wogan is with Herapath? Why would she desire to be with Johnson?

2. How does Villiers come to be with Johnson and accepting American citizenship? Is this a wise move on her part?

3. Why is revealed about Johnson in his public life that should make a woman think twice (or more) times before becoming Romantically involved with Johnson?

4. Do you think Villiers appreciates the sacrifice Maturin is willing to make?

(see the answer keys)

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