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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. How might Aubrey's situation be corrected?

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

3. What kind of relationship do Maturin and Aubrey have?

4. In what direction does Aubrey go in his first cruise of Surprise?

5. What does Maturin believe the two men from question #42 have in the British government?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

3. Where has Spartan stashed its prizes and why?

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

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

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

7. How does Aubrey feel about the efficiency of the work on Surprise and why?

8. 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?

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

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

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

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of THE LETTER OF MARQUE.

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of THE LETTER OF MARQUE.

Essay Topic 3

The British Navy in this era is very flexible in letting their Captains and other officers use their own style of command. Discuss the following:

1. Whose command style seems most effective? Why? Give examples.

2. Whose command style seems least effective? Why? Give examples.

3. Sometimes the crew will mutineer against a tyrannical Captain: Is mutiny ever justifiable? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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