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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. To where does Kesegaran agree to carry a message?

2. What is critical after the attack?

3. What does the captain of the force who assaults Aubrey's camp wear?

4. What does Aubrey do to Miller and Oakes?

5. How had Fox behaved?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who is William Grimshaw and how does he help provide comic relief on board?

3. Where does Maturin find Padeen Colman and what does Maturin do?

4. What does the landing crew find on Sweeting's Island?

5. How does Maturin find himself in a duel and what is the crew's response?

6. What do Maturin and Martin do and what do they find?

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

8. Describe Stephan Maturin.

9. What good news does Maturin receive from Sir Joseph Blaine?

10. How does Maturin help the effort to catch the Cornélie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Patrick O'Brian has tried as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think The Nutmeg of Consolation qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era (early 1800s) is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

During this era when the book 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?

4. Which vessel(s) are mentioned in The Nutmeg of Consolation that fall under this maritime law and what are the circumstances of their capture? Does it seem fair?

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)

This section contains 1,248 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample