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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. What does Maturin play up?

2. What does Fox leave with his clerk?

3. To what island does Aubrey transport the person in question 38?

4. Whose nests does Maturin find?

5. What does Maturin hope the Cornélie will be without?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has been Aubrey's chief concern and why?

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

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

4. What does Maturin do with the girls?

5. Why does Maturin become irascible and the rats become vicious?

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

7. How does Aubrey choose to arm his vessel and what is the advantage and disadvantage of doing so?

8. What does Maturin give Paulton for his help?

9. How does the dinner for officers fare that Aubrey hosts?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The Nutmeg of Consolation is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following.

1. What are two advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are two disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Though it is not as evident in The Nutmeg of Consolation as others, most of the entire series of novels concerning Captain Jack Aubrey takes place during the Napoleonic Wars; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of this book and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the naval aspect of the Napoleonic Wars between Britain and France.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British navy during either WWI or WWII.

(see the answer keys)

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