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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 forces are garrisoning at Grimsholm?

2. Who gave Villiers the diamond necklace?

3. To whom does Maturin make his report?

4. What happens to one of the American schooners that delays their pursuit?

5. What has Aubrey become?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Villiers confide in Maturin and how does he respond?

2. What do Maturin and Villiers think about Aubrey's behavior with Smith?

3. Describe Amanda Smith.

4. What depresses Aubrey amidst all the celebrations?

5. Describe Sophie Aubrey.

6. Why are Maturin, Aubrey and Villiers anxiously awaiting Captain Broke's recovery?

7. Describe Diana Villiers.

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

9. What business does Maturin take care of while in Halifax?

10. Who pursues the Diligence and what is the outcome?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Villiers leaves Maturin for Johnson, travels to America, and renounces her British citizenship. Throughout this period, Maturin sufferes a fairly deep depression and manages his emotion by withdrawal and opium addiction. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the use of opium is not regulated as it is today?

2. Do you think it is a more or less enlightened society that regulates personal drug use? Explain.

3. Do you think the execution of Maturin's duties are compromised by his frequent use of opium? Why or why not? Give examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

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.)

Essay Topic 3

THE SURGEON'S MATE, 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 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 SURGEON'S MATE and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why THE SURGEON'S MATE is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. State what you think are three characteristics of a successful novel and whether or not THE SURGEON'S MATE in your opinion is a successful novel.

(see the answer keys)

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