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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 news does Kimber write Aubrey?
2. How does Villiers fare at the beginning of the sea voyage?
3. What causes Aubrey some discomfort?
4. About what does Aubrey muse during his and Sophie's reunion?
5. What does Maturin realize about Villiers?
Short Essay Questions
1. How does Maturin pass the time at the ball?
2. What is Aubrey's homecoming like?
3. What battle did Aubrey recently participate in and what was the outcome?
4. Where does the Diligence arrive and what is the atmosphere of the town?
5. How does Smith behave during this waiting period and what is Aubrey's response?
6. Why are Maturin, Aubrey and Villiers anxiously awaiting Captain Broke's recovery?
7. What is Villiers' reception like at the ball?
8. What business does Maturin take care of while in Halifax?
9. Who pursues the Diligence and what is the outcome?
10. How are the HMS Shannon's crew and passengers greeted in Halifax?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Not only is Great Britian engaged in a war against France and Napoleon's allies, it is at the time of THE SURGEON'S MATE engaged in a war with the United States, later named the War of 1812. Discuss the following:
1. What is the War of 1812 and why does it occur? Do you think the British or Americans are most to blame for the problems that engender the war? Which side does O'Brian show the most sympathy?
2. How does it feel if you are from the United States to read about a war from the perspective of the "enemy"? How does that affect your reactions to the events in the book?
3. What do you think are the unique problems for Great Britain in being engaged in wars on two different fronts? Do you think Great Britain was unwise in not settling the issues with the United States rather than going to war? Why or why not.
Essay Topic 2
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.
Essay Topic 3
Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in this book and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:
1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed?
2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.
3. Choose one other character besides Aubrey who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.
4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.
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This section contains 1,028 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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