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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. Who is at a gathering on the ship that night?

2. On what is the Surprise waiting to sail?

3. How does Aubrey feel about his new situation?

4. In what position will Killick work on the Surprise?

5. How do Aubrey and the crew feel about what Maturin gave him?

Short Essay Questions

1. To what is Maturin addicted and who discusses it with him?

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

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. Why is Maturin late for Surprise's sailing?

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

6. How does Padeen get injured and why does he continue to take pain medication?

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

8. What ship does Surprise raise at the end of the storm and what is that ship doing?

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

10. How does Maturin feel about money? What does he obtain to help him and Aubrey with Surprise?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Along with superstitions, the ships crew seem to find mystical meanings in various symbols. Discuss the following:

1. What are six symbols in THE LETTER OF MARQUE and their meanings. Are the meanings logical or based upon superstitions?

2. Discuss three metaphors in THE LETTER OF MARQUE and their impact on the understanding of the plot.

3. Discuss O'Brian's narrative style as it applies to his descriptions. Is his style effective? Interesting? Lively?

Essay Topic 3

Patrick O'Brian tries as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think THE LETTER OF MARQUE qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in THE LETTER OF MARQUE are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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