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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What does the crew want to name their new passengers?
2. Why does Aubrey turn tail and run?
3. What does Aubrey think of the Surprise?
4. What does Cornélie do in response to Nutmeg's heading out to sea?
5. To where are Triton and the American prizes being escorted?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, etc...the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:
1. Why do you think the British had such a policy in place then?
2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?
3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?
4. Which vessel(s) are mentioned in The Nutmeg of Consolation that fall under this maritime law and what are the circumstances of their capture? Does it seem fair?
Essay Topic 2
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?
Essay Topic 3
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.
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This section contains 526 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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