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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. Approximately how many men are marooned on an unnamed island?

2. About what does Maturin discuss with Aubrey?

3. What does Maturin want to do about the Cornélie?

4. Why are the sailors able to salvage much of the ship's contents?

5. What does Maturin find when he goes to gather the nests?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the situation not as precarious as it could be for the marooned men?

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

3. What fortuitous encounter saves the day for the Nutmeg of Consolation and what happens with the Cornélie?

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

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

6. Who does Aubrey convey to Pulo Prabang and why?

7. How and why does Aubrey modify the Nutmeg of Consolation?

8. About what does Aubrey brood and what are his thoughts about the topic?

9. How does Maturin become ill and what does he see when he awakens from a fever?

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

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

Maturin acts as a covert agency for the Crown and uses his intelligence connections to slow down Cornélie's resupplying in order to give The Nutmeg of Consolation a chance to catch up and capture the French vessel.

1. What sort of covert operations does Maturin undertake? How similar do you think his covert operations are to that of an organization such as the CIA of today?

2. How much does Maturin's covert operations effect good outcomes for the The Nutmeg of Consolation and other British endeavors during The Nutmeg of Consolation?

3. Do you see any conflict of interests between being a doctor and also a covert operator? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

The Nutmeg of Consolation, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Nutmeg of Consolation and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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