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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. Why does Aubrey anchor Surprise in a deserted bay?

2. Who/What comes out to fight Aubrey's crew?

3. How have the prizes taken on the shakedown tour helped Aubrey?

4. What does Sir Joseph tell Maturin he has that might help Aubrey?

5. Who attended the event Joseph organized?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Aubrey greeted in England upon his return and what does Sir Joseph do for him?

2. What does Maturin ask about Diana and what does Sir Joseph tell him?

3. What type of injury does Aubrey have?

4. How does Maturin fix Aubrey and what does Aubrey say about the laudanum?

5. What does Sir Joseph tell Maturin about a possible target for Aubrey?

6. How many ships does Aubrey capture and what happens to him as soon as they are captured?

7. What does Surprise do after her encounter with Spartan and what do Martin and Maturin do?

8. What does a government official say to Aubrey and what is Aubrey's response?

9. What is Aubrey's plan for taking Diane?

10. Following Surprises first shakedown cruise when Maturin visits Sir Joseph, what does he find out about Wray and Ledward?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During this era when THE LETTER OF MARQUE takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, etc...the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast Aubrey's seamanship with that of Babbington.

2. Thoroughly analyze the character of Maturin, discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.

3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Jack Aubrey, discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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