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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 does Maturin do in Villiers' room?

2. How does Aubrey respond to the Navy's questions?

3. What is full of double entendre between Johnson and Maturin?

4. Why does Maturin speak to a priest?

5. What is Villiers to Maturin?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is humorous about Aubrey's daily observations of the bay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. How does Villiers seem to Maturin and what actions has she taken that were unwise?

9. Who ambushes Maturin and what is humorous about his actions?

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

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 2

The Fortune of War is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following?

1. What is one advantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What is a disadvantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? 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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