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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. Where departs for Batavia in one of the ship's boats?

2. What effect does the method Aubrey uses to arm his ship have?

3. Why does Maturin deliver the treaty?

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

5. Between whom is a treaty arranged?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Stephan Maturin.

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

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

4. What is Aubrey's plan concerning an engagement with the Cornélie?

5. What are Maturin and Martin spending much time doing?

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

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

8. When will the schooner be completed, and what will the men do once it is built?

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

10. What happens to Maturin's fortune?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Nutmeg of Consolation.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Nutmeg of Consolation. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Nutmeg of Consolation. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In the world of academe, historical fiction is often considered an inferior form of the novel compared to "classic" literature. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think historical fiction might be considered second-rate compared to the classics?

2. Do you think historical fiction has the same elements as the classics? Why or why not?

3. What are the purposes do you think for people reading "the classics"? What are the purposes for people reading historical fiction? Is one purpose better than another? Explain your response.

4. Would you read historical fiction even outside an educational setting? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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