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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 is the initial topic of discussion between Maturin and Johnson?

2. Where does Maturin drag the corpse(s)?

3. Who is aged, dissipated by alcohol, and fairly crass of speech?

4. Who is cleared in a court martial?

5. About what does the Navy department interview Aubrey?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. What is Mr. Herapath's task in the scheme to effect an escape for Villiers, Aubrey and Maturin and how does he fail at it? What does this say about Mr. Herapath?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Some discussion takes place throughout the novel about various Captains and their command style. Discuss the following:

1. Whose command style seems most effective? Why? Give examples.

2. Whose command style seems least effective? Why? Give examples.

3. Is mutiny ever justifiable? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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