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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 does Aubrey change his plan for taking Diane after the battle is over?

2. What do Maturin and Aubrey discuss when Maturin comes to Aubrey's house?

3. How does Aubrey intend to get Diane?

4. What does Aubrey do with the five captured ships?

5. Why was the item from question #89 sent to Aubrey?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Babbington respond to Aubrey's request?

2. What does Maturin tell Sir Joseph about Aubrey's circumstances and what Aubrey hopes?

3. Where does Aubrey take Surprise when they set sail again following the first shakedown cruise?

4. How did the crew respond to Aubrey's orders concerning the incident in question #31?

5. What does Aubrey do about the crew's response in question #32?

6. Maturin and Martin discuss literature and what? What does Maturin insist about tragedy?

7. What type of injury does Aubrey have?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in this book and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Aubrey who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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