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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. For what use does Aubrey grind lenses?

2. Who will crew the two captured French ships?

3. What French frigate does Aubrey capture near La Reunion?

4. How does Aubrey feel about Mr. Farquhar?

5. What kind of relationship develops between Aubrey and Colonel Keating?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Aubrey do about the tensions between Corbett and Clonfert?

2. How does Clonfert react to Aubrey's victory and how does McAdam respond?

3. With what does Maturin enlist Mr. Cotton's help and how did it go?

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

5. What has Pym done and how does Clonfert act when he hears? What does Clonfert decide to do?

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

7. What happens to Maturin on the way to Mauritius?

8. What happens when Corbett comes to help Aubrey?

9. What do Keating and Aubrey do on La Reunion?

10. What does most of the squadron do after the first success at La Reunion?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much attention is given to the treatment of both wounds and illnesses by Maturin and McAdam. Maturin, in particular seems to be far more advanced than the typical doctor of that era. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the medical remedies Maturin uses in Mauritius 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

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in Mauritius.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles described in the novel with one from WWII.

Essay Topic 3

While Maturin is aboard Clonfert's vessel, he and McAdam, the Clonfert's surgeon, endlessly discuss whether it is worse to be addicted to alcohol (as McAdam) or opium (as Maturin). Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Maturin or McAdam's addiction is worse or about the same? Discuss using examples both from the text and your personal experience.

2. Do you think most people have one or more addictions? Why or why not?

3. Do you think some addictions are harder to discontinue than others? Why or why not?

4. Should one strive to be completely without addictions of any sort? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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