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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. Of what is George Herapath proud?

2. Who is Caroline?

3. What ship does Herapath intend to use to help Aubrey?

4. What does Aubrey ask of George Herapath?

5. How is Herapath tying to make a living?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Much attention is given to the treatment of both wounds and illnesses by Maturin, who seems to be far more advanced than the typical doctor of that era. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the medical remedies Maturin uses in The Fortune of War to that which would be done in our modern world.

2. Many wars are partially, if not completely, determined by factors other than the actual fighting. One of those factors is disease. Research and discuss how epidemics/pandemics have influenced the outcome of three different wars throughout history.

3. Discuss some of the medical remedies Maturin performs/uses that were probably not used in that era.

(see the answer keys)

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