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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 is Grimshaw and Killick known?

2. Who receives the commission for the HMS Nutmeg of Consolation?

3. With what does Aubrey arm the Nutmeg of Consolation?

4. Why is Maturin concerned about his wife?

5. Who will depart about the Cornélie?

Short Essay Questions

1. What interests Kesegaran in the sailors' camp and why are the sailors interested in her?

2. Upon what factors does Aubrey's plan hinge?

3. What does Maturin say is wrong and what does he do?

4. How does the dinner for officers fare that Aubrey hosts?

5. How does Aubrey gain a vessel to replace the Diane?

6. With what is chapter 3 mostly concerned and why?

7. How does Maturin spend much of his time, and what do the men do besides working on the boat?

8. What does Maturin try to do with Sarah and Emily and what is the outcome?

9. Where does Li Po take the men and what important information Maturin gain along the on the trip?

10. Who is John Paulton and what is he like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and both Maturin and Aubrey are no exceptions.

1. Trace and analyze situations when Maturin and Aubrey each demonstrates his admirable traits. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze both Maturin and Aubrey's character flaws, and explain how the flaws create more complex and believable characters. How do you think either man's character flaws make some situations more difficult for him?

3. After analyzing each man's strengths and weaknesses, decide if each man is an appropriate "hero" of the story. Is there anyone else who might be a more admirable "hero"?

Essay Topic 2

At sea, the commander of a vessel is "God," and failure to obey the Captain's orders can subject one to court martial and even execution. Discuss the following:

1. Should sailors be held accountable for anything they do under orders? Discuss fully, using examples both from The Nutmeg of Consolation and your own knowledge.

2. Why do you think mutiny on a ship is punishable by death?

3. Is there ever justification for a crew to mutiny?

4. Is it just for a captain to have that much power over his crew? What sort of abuses can this lead to?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of manipulation and power in The Nutmeg of Consolation. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with manipulation and power? Why? What are some symbols of manipulation and power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of war in The Nutmeg of Consolation. Why is Britain engaged in a war? What are some symbols of war that occur in the book? Is the war justified? Does Aubrey and (his crew perform with honor as warriors? Do you think their behavior to the enemy (first the Dyaks and then the French sailors) would be in accordance with the Geneva Conventions (you may need to research this)?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death. How does the world of Aubrey's time seem to view death? Who tries to avoid killing? Who seems to kill for frivolous reasons? Who seems afraid of dying? Not afraid? Who meets death gracefully? In resignation? With joy? With fear?

(see the answer keys)

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