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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 happens to Villiers?

2. Why does Maturin speak to a priest?

3. Who does Maturin go to see after speaking to Michael Herapath?

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

5. What is the initial topic of discussion between Maturin and Johnson?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

When Aubrey arrives in Boston and leaves the USS Constitution, Evans presents a purse of money to Aubrey, which is a collection taken up among the men. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the "enemy" gives Aubrey money, when likely they had not much themselves?

2. What do you think prompts generosity to strangers?

3. Do you think more people are generous to homeless persons collecting money on street corners or to more structured charities? Defend your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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