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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 does Aubrey do shortly after he renders his judgment on what was done to Surprise?

2. How does Babbbington feel about Aubrey's plan?

3. What do the Sethians do at the mention of the name Seth?

4. What does Aubrey hope his new situation will bring him?

5. What will Surprise's boats do according to Aubrey's plan?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What type of injury does Aubrey have?

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

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

5. Why is Aubrey driven to succeed in taking Diane?

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

7. Describe the taking of the Diane and what happens to her immediately afterward.

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

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

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

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

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 3

Seemingly, reinstatement is within grasp, but Aubrey is too proud to accept it on any terms but his own. While most men would jump at the chance of an official pardon, Aubrey sees it only as an admission of guilt and declines. Aubrey's decision is not practical but instead is based on ideals. This marks a major turning point in Aubrey's characterization as it demonstrates that he is fully committed to correct principles.

1. Discuss Aubrey's refusal to accept a pardon and whether you think it is a foolish decision.

2. In light of the above statement discuss what is meant by the cliche "false pride" and whether you think Aubrey is afflicted with it.

3. There have been a number of documented cases in justice where a person refuses to plead guilty to a lesser charge because they were innocent of any charge and yet were convicted and sent to prison. Discuss what you believe you would do if you were charged with a crime you did not commit. For example, would you risk 20 years in prison to have a jury trial for a crime you did not commit or would you plead to a crime you also did not commit but would only put you in prison for a year?

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