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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 will Aubrey require from Babbington?

2. What do the men do in the bay?

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

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

5. Who does Maturin visit after going to the apothecary?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why does Aubrey encounter Babbington outside St. Martin's bay and what does Aubrey want from him?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though this novel is probably more action driven rather than character driven, obviously there are several characters who make the novel what it is. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Aubrey and Maturin. How are they similar? How are they different? Would you consider one of them a stronger character than the other? How does each of them add to the story?

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Maturin and Sir Joseph. How are they similar? How are they different? Would you consider one of them a stronger character than the other? How does each of them add to the story?

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 2

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 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)

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