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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 is Sethianism?

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

3. What does Sir Joseph say Aubrey would have to do to have his desire come true?

4. What do Maturin and Martin do at an apothecary?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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. What does Aubrey find has transpired on the Surprise while he was ashore?

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

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

8. What type of injury does Aubrey have?

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

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

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

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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