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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. How does Maturin find the guests at a dinner party?
2. Who is offered a command position?
3. What does the Cornélie do?
4. Why does the Nutmeg of Consolation sail poorly?
5. What is near where Surprise docks?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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?
Essay Topic 2
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?
Essay Topic 3
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"?
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This section contains 478 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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