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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 happens to one of the American schooners that delays their pursuit?
2. How does Villiers fare at the beginning of the sea voyage?
3. Who does Maturin learn has drowned?
4. What do Aubrey, Maturin and Villiers do to effect a return to England?
5. How does Smith find Aubrey to be?
Short Essay Questions
1. Describe Jack Aubrey.
2. What is Maturin's interest in Villiers and why?
3. What is Aubrey's homecoming like?
4. Where does the Diligence arrive and what is the atmosphere of the town?
5. What battle did Aubrey recently participate in and what was the outcome?
6. What depresses Aubrey amidst all the celebrations?
7. What is the first thing Aubrey does upon arriving back in England?
8. Describe Amanda Smith.
9. What do Maturin and Villiers think about Aubrey's behavior with Smith?
10. How does Maturin pass the time at the ball?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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 2
Though it is not as evident in this book as others, most of the entire series of novels concerning Captain Jack Aubrey takes place during the Napoleonic Wars; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of this book and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:
1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.
2. Research and write an expository essay about the naval aspect of the Napoleonic Wars between Britain and France.
3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British navy during either WWI or WWII.
Essay Topic 3
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.
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This section contains 1,089 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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