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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. Where are the prizes that Spartan has captured?

2. What does Maturin do for Padeen's pain?

3. What do the new men on board the Surprise have to have in order to stay as crew?

4. On what is the Surprise waiting to sail?

5. Who did Aubrey tell Tom Pullings to bar from coming aboard?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Maturin see as Aubrey waits on him for sailing?

2. What does the escape of Wray and Ledward lead Maturin to believe?

3. What ship closes with Surprise that is captained by a friend of Aubrey's and who is the passenger it has? What happens when the two ships meet?

4. What ship first approaches Surprise on Aubrey's first shakedown cruise and why? How does Aubrey feel about the authorization Maturin has?

5. What kind of crew does Aubrey obtain and why?

6. Which old friends or crew members join Aubrey on Surprise?

7. Why is Maturin late for Surprise's sailing?

8. What is the final outcome of Aubrey's shakedown cruise?

9. What is Aubrey concerned about in reference to his crew?

10. What does Maturin do and where does he do it right after he buys her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Letter of Marque, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of THE LETTER OF MARQUE and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why THE LETTER OF MARQUE is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. State what you think are three characteristics of a successful novel and whether or not THE LETTER OF MARQUE in your opinion is a successful novel.

Essay Topic 2

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in THE LETTER OF MARQUE.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles described in the novel with one from WWII.

Essay Topic 3

THE LETTER OF MARQUE is set in England during 1813, or a fictional extension of that year during the Napoleonic wars between England and France: therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of this book and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the battles that take place in the naval war between Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British navy during either WWI or WWII.

4. Write an expository essay on how the Napoleonic War affects the social culture of one of the following countries: Britain, France, or Germany.

(see the answer keys)

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