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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 will be Surprise's first cruise with Aubrey as captain?

2. Who is captaining Tartarus?

3. What seems to help weld the crew together?

4. Why is the ship Surprise available for purchase?

5. On what is the Surprise waiting to sail?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Aubrey's situation at the beginning of THE LETTER OF MARQUE?

2. What does Aubrey do about the ship they raise near the end of the storm? What does Maturin find out from a man on the ship?

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

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

5. Where has Spartan stashed its prizes and why?

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

7. What type of work does Maturin do and for what is he also known?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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