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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 hint to Aubrey at Aubrey's home?

2. How does Maturin feel about the reunion?

3. What is the approximate crew capacity of the Ariel?

4. Though Maturin's watch is less than desirable for navigating, what is it good for?

5. How does Maturin prepare for his mission to Grimsholm?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Hyde cutting Jagiello's meat and what happens at dinner one evening when Hyde does so?

2. What are a couple ill omens that Aubrey experiences that gives him the jitters?

3. What is the emergency to which Aubrey awakens?

4. How does the Ariel slow the Médusae down enough for the HMS Jason to catch the Médusae?

5. Briefly describe the Ariel, the ship of which Aubrey assumes command.

6. Who is Pellworm; what does he predict and what is the first thing that happens that seem to prove his prediction to be true?

7. How does Lieutenant Grant slander Aubrey's name even further?

8. Describe the Grimsholm fortress.

9. Describe the actions that lead to the wreck of the Ariel.

10. What is the result of the meeting between Maturin and his Godfather?

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

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 3

Maturin acts as a covert agency for the Crown and at the beginning of the novel has just escaped serious problems in the United States because of this. Later, when the Ariel wrecks and the crew is captured by the French, Maturin plans his suicide because of information he has due to his position.

1. What sort of covert operations does Maturin undertake? How similar do you think his covert operations are to that of an organization such as the CIA of today?

2. How much does Maturin's covert operations effect good outcomes for the British during this novel? Is the operation at Grimshold a covert operation? What is the outcome of that operation?

3. Do you see any conflict of interests between being a doctor and also a covert operator? Why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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