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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 causes the fear of the Jemmapes after they are fired on?

2. What causes the flock of birds to fly over the blockade?

3. What is the Worcester crew made up of?

4. Why does Maturin live away from his wife when he is in town?

5. What does Aubrey do at the first stop the Worcester makes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the political climate like in the Ionian Region at this time?

2. How does Aubrey feel when the Worcester is declared as unseawothy?

3. Why is Maturin rarely at home?

4. What happens when Maturin boards the Worcester?

5. Please explain the relationship between Maturin and his wife.

6. What destroys the Worcester in the end?

7. Why do the crewmen of the Worcester not want to transport Parsons?

8. What is strange about the practice runs done at sea with the cannons?

9. What does Aubrey do to try and save the sinking Worcester?

10. Why does Aubrey avoid Maturin when he first comes aboard the ship?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Human nature is a strong symbol and theme in this book. Where does this symbol appear, and what role does it play in the book?

Essay Topic 2

Fear is a major motivating factor for a number of characters in this book. Which characters are most affected by this, and what are some of the different ways this fear is manifested?

Essay Topic 3

Patrick O'Brian presents the idea that there are two sides to every man. Choose three of the characters from the book and write about their dual natures and how this duality affected the characters around them.

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