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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 do Maturin and Martin do at an apothecary?

2. What does Aubrey decide must be done?

3. What does Surprise do first to prepare for taking Diane?

4. Who came to speak to Aubrey after Joseph's event?

5. Why does Aubrey care what the men did to Surprise?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What happens when the ship is finally freed?

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

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

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

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

8. What happens while the crew struggle to free Diane? How is Aubrey injured?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Aubrey learns from Maturin that what he had perceived as a kick in the small of the back is actually a pistol ball--or bullet--lodged near his spine. In an excruciatingly painful but successful operation Maturin removes the ball. Much attention is given to the treatment of both wounds and illnesses by Maturin. Maturin seems far more advanced than the typical doctor of that era. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the medical remedies Maturin uses in THE LETTER OF MARQUE to that which would be done in our modern world.

2. Many wars are partially, if not completely, determined by factors other than the actual fighting. One of those factors is disease. Research and discuss how epidemics/pandemics have influenced the outcome of three different wars throughout history.

3. Discuss some of the medical remedies Maturin performs/uses that were probably not used in that era.

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 973 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample