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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 Maturin send to give a note to Aubrey?

2. Upon whom does Maturin call?

3. Who continues to recruit Maturin?

4. Against what does Maturin warn Villiers?

5. How does George Herapath feel about Wogan?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What happens to Maturin in Chapter 7 that makes it obvious that he needs to come up with a viable escape plan very soon?

4. Why is Mr. Herapath so happy to hear that Villiers is leaving the United States?

5. How does Michael Herapath earn a living and why is this odd?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Patrick O'Brian has tried as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think this book qualifies as historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Aubrey is interviewed by several obnoxious agents from the Navy who accuse him of various war crimes. He is thought to be a spy and the one who gives Wogan false intelligence. Discuss the following:

1. How many countries do you think have spies?

2. Why do you think spies are thought to be both necessary and yet they are despised?

3. Would you ever be willing to be a spy for your country?

4. A spy is not protected under the Geneva conventions. Why do you think that is?

(see the answer keys)

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