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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. Why is the Nutmeg of Consolation readied for sea in haste?

2. Who organizes the shipwrecked men's camp?

3. To where does Kesegaran agree to carry a message?

4. Why is Maturin concerned about his wife?

5. Who owns the Chinese junk?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Aubrey realize and what is his response?

4. Describe the second encounter between the Nutmeg of Consolation and Cornélie.

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

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

7. How do the English lose hope even though they repulsed the Dyak attack?

8. Who does the Nutmeg of Consolation encounter and what do they learn?

9. What has Welby overdone in Aubrey's estimation, but why does Aubrey still admire the man?

10. What favor does Raffles' wife ask of Aubrey and what is his response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Many events that happen in The Nutmeg of Consolation are foreshadowed by previous events and/or signs. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "foreshadow."

2. Why would an author use foreshadowing? Do you think it adds or detracts from your experience as a reader? Explain.

3. Trace and analyze five instances of foreshadowing in The Nutmeg of Consolation. Match up what is mentioned earlier and what it foreshadows. Did you guess that each instance of foreshadowing was a "heads up" of something to come? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

Oftentimes, a book is more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think The Nutmeg of Consolation is? Explain your response.

(see the answer keys)

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