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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 have the French been doing on the ocean that is a problem?

2. How would Aubrey describe his wife's mother?

3. What does Aubrey learn?

4. With whom will Matuin be traveling to Mauritius?

5. What has been garrisoned by British soldiers?

Short Essay Questions

1. From whom does Aubrey receive a note and what does it ask and why does he laugh about it?

2. What does Aubrey manage to do in his first few days of the voyage to Mauritius?

3. What does Aubrey do when he discovers he needs help? How does he feel about the response?

4. How does Colley fare in the long term and how does Aubrey feel about that?

5. What happens when Corbett comes to help Aubrey?

6. What French ship does Aubrey encounter and what does he do with it? How does Aubrey feel about his actions?

7. What does Aubrey have the crew doing as they travel and why?

8. What ultimately happens to Clonfert's and Pym's joint venture?

9. What has happened to Corbett?

10. Describe the setting in the opening of the novel.

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 Clonfert and Corbett.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of McAdam and Maturin.

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

McAdam, Maturin and Aubrey at various times discuss one of the captains, Clonfert, Maturin even to suggesting at one point that perhaps Clonfert is homosexual. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the attitude towards homosexuality in British culture of the early 1800's with today.

2. Clonfert is said to be well-loved by his men, though he is effeminate. Do you think the military should recruit and/or draft openly-professing homosexuals? Explain with examples.

3. The strictures against homosexuality in the Western world is based upon the Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition from the Torah, Bible and Koran. In countries where there is a separation of religion from the State, does it make sense to base laws about homosexuality or any victimless behavior based on religious rather than psychological views? Take a stance and discuss fully.

Essay Topic 3

Chapters 7 and 8 see Aubrey's command fall from the pinnacle of early success to the nearly catastrophic as unrestrained personal egos lead British forces to constant defeat. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Aubrey tolerates his fleet taking so much independent action? Do you think he has a choice?

2. One of the traits of a good leader is to not over lead, yet offer enough leadership for the success of the mission. Analyze one battle from with this idea in mind and decide if Aubrey is a good leader.

3. What other traits of a good leader does Aubrey demonstrate?

4. Are there any leadership traits that Aubrey seems to lack? What are they?

(see the answer keys)

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