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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 obtain for Villiers?

2. What goes on for weeks?

3. What does the mail that arrives confirm?

4. Why do Smith and Aubrey leave the ball?

5. What is the relationship between Harry Johnson and Villiers?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the meeting and interaction between Aubrey and Amanda Smith.

2. What did the British intelligence want Maturin to do and why do they no longer need him for the assignment?

3. What is one of Villier's prized possessions and how does she come by it?

4. What is Maturin's interest in Villiers and why?

5. What battle did Aubrey recently participate in and what was the outcome?

6. Where does the Diligence arrive and what is the atmosphere of the town?

7. What is the first thing Aubrey does upon arriving back in England?

8. Describe Jack Aubrey.

9. Why is Aubrey particularly unhappy ashore?

10. Where do Maturin and Villiers travel and what do they do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though the author O'Brian may or may not have such personal views on women, the way women are characterized in his naval series is often less than complimentary. Discuss one of the following:

1. Present and analyze the treatment of women in THE SURGEON'S MATE. How is it that women such as Amanda Smith and Diana Villiers receive contempt for sexual relations outside of marriage while the men (such as Aubrey who also commits adultery) do not?

2. O'Brian is trying to be historically accurate, so is his treatment of women in his book(s) justified?

3. Is there any way O'Brian could have presented women in a more positive light as other than whore or wife and still stayed historically accurate? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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 SURGEON'S MATE that fall under this maritime law and what are the circumstances of their capture? Does it seem fair?

Essay Topic 3

During this era in which THE SURGEON'S MATE is set, there are strongly-adhered-to class distinctions. Aubrey and Maturin are both gentlemen. Discuss one of the following:

1. How do the divisions of class tend to make divisions among men? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a class-based society? What evidence is there of those advantages and disadvantages in THE SURGEON'S MATE?

2. In the English military of that era, nobles and gentlemen generally were the officers and very few of the working or peasant class could cross the line into officer territory. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?

3. Do you think there is a class system in the United States? Does it carry over to the military? Why or why not? (Some research may be required.)

(see the answer keys)

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