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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why were the items that arrived in Cape Town damaged?

2. How does Maturin feel about McAdam's alcoholism?

3. What does Aubrey do with some of his ships before going to Rodriquez?

4. Why is the Groper sacrificed?

5. What kind of raid has Pym led?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Aubrey chooses to wreck one of the ships in his fleet in order to provide a favorable landing situation. This is considered an "acceptable loss." Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Aubrey believes the loss of the ship is acceptable? Explain with examples.

2. Many wars are fought under the assumption of "acceptable losses." Usually it is the common foot soldier who is doing most of the dying. In fact, the term "cannon fodder," is often used to describe infantry who are killed by the hundreds gaining small hills or bits of land, sometimes to lose the same piece of "real estate" several times with continuing loss of life. Is this truly acceptable?

3. Sometimes some will say that wars would be few and far between if those who decided to go to war had to be in the front lines. Do you think that would make a difference?

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

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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