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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 did Aubrey say about the laudanum Maturin gave him?

2. Why is Aubrey technically under Babbington's command?

3. How are the gunboats moored in the harbor?

4. What is Maturin's relationship to the man in question #83?

5. Who attended the event Joseph organized?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the final outcome about the incident in question #31?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Letter of Marque is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following?

1. What is one advantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What is a disadvantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Often in O'Brian's series involving Jack Aubrey, his ship and/or life is saved by extraordinary means. Discuss the following:

1. Identify and analyze a time in The Letter of Marque when O'Brian makes free use of the technique of narrative contrivance to save Aubrey and his ship.

2. Does the use of narrative contrivance diminish the impact of the plot? The believability of the storyline?

3. Is there any other way O'Brian could have a mixture of suspense and action while at the same time making certain the main characters are not killed?

(see the answer keys)

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