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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What must Aubrey do to ensure an English victory?
2. Why does Aubrey turn tail and run?
3. Where does Surprise head from Sweeting Island?
4. Why does the Nutmeg of Consolation sail poorly?
5. Who does Maturin offend?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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 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
Discuss one of the following:
1. Trace and analyze the theme of manipulation and power in The Nutmeg of Consolation. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with manipulation and power? Why? What are some symbols of manipulation and power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?
2. Trace and analyze the theme of war in The Nutmeg of Consolation. Why is Britain engaged in a war? What are some symbols of war that occur in the book? Is the war justified? Does Aubrey and (his crew perform with honor as warriors? Do you think their behavior to the enemy (first the Dyaks and then the French sailors) would be in accordance with the Geneva Conventions (you may need to research this)?
3. Trace and analyze the theme of death. How does the world of Aubrey's time seem to view death? Who tries to avoid killing? Who seems to kill for frivolous reasons? Who seems afraid of dying? Not afraid? Who meets death gracefully? In resignation? With joy? With fear?
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This section contains 536 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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