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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. How long does it take to repulse the attackers?
2. Why do several new men join the crew?
3. What does Maturin find when he goes to gather the nests?
4. What passes through the area?
5. What does the Captain of Marines have his men construct?
Short Essay Questions
1. Describe Captain Jack Aubrey's physical attributes.
2. What does Maturin give Paulton for his help?
3. What does Aubrey realize and what is his response?
4. What happens shortly after the dinner?
5. How do Maturin and Martin renew their acquaintance and what is Aubrey's response?
6. What action does Maturin take with the information he gains from the pirates and what does he hope to accomplish by his actions?
7. Describe the second encounter between the Nutmeg of Consolation and Cornélie.
8. Describe the first attempt of the Nutmeg of Consolation to engage Cornélie.
9. Describe Stephan Maturin.
10. How does Aubrey choose to arm his vessel and what is the advantage and disadvantage of doing so?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
During this era in which The Nutmeg of Consolation is set, there are strongly-adhered-to class distinctions. Aubrey and Maturin are both gentlemen. Discuss one of the following:
1. How do the divisions of class tend to make divisions among men? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a class-based society? What evidence is there of those advantages and disadvantages in The Nutmeg of Consolation?
2. In the English military of that era, nobles and gentlemen generally were the officers and very few of the working or peasant class could cross the line into officer territory. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?
3. Do you think there is a class system in the United States? Does it carry over to the military? Why or why not? (Some research may be required.)
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 The Nutmeg of Consolation.
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/hostile actions between two vessels described in the novel with one from WWII.
Essay Topic 3
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?
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This section contains 1,294 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) |
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