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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. How is Aubrey further slandered?

2. What type of vessel does Aubrey wish to capture?

3. Why would Aubrey pretend to chase the Minnie?

4. What happens as Aubrey is trying to get the Ariel away from The Thatcher?

5. From what does Hyde suffer?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ariel do after leaving Grisholm?

2. Describe the guest Swedish officer, Jagiello, who is onboard the Ariel.

3. Describe the Grimsholm fortress.

4. What does Maturin suggest the Ariel do to convince the lookouts at Grimsholm that the Minnie is a friendly vessel?

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

6. Why is Aubrey concerned when there is stormy weather?

7. What does Aubrey give a technical discussion of and how does he replace the broken chronometer?

8. Briefly describe Ariel's Senior Lieutenant, Hyde.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most people and regular soldiers detest spies and the idea of spying. Spies are not considered in the same vein as soldiers in uniform and are not protected by the customs and regulations that govern the treatment of soldiers who are in uniform when captured. Maturin is a spy for the British government. Discuss one of the following:

1. Why do you think spies are not accorded any rights under many countries' laws and/or customs?

2. Even though all countries abhor spies, often even their own, they still spy, and men and women are still willing to be spies. Discuss why you think this is so.

3. Research and analyze the history of spying in either England, the United States or Russa.

4. Does Maturin seem the image of a typical spy as you visualize one? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and Jack Aubrey is no exception. Aubrey's insight and a nearly infallible instinct tends to carry him through the various perils he encounters.

1. Trace and analyze situations when Aubrey demonstrates his instinct for handling problems at sea. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze Aubrey's character flaws, especially his ineptness on land, with business ventures and wandering eye as far as women are concerned.

3. Discuss how you think Aubrey's admirable traits helped him obtain a high rank in the Navy? How does Aubrey hide his character flaws so they have not impeded his career. Do any of those under his command seem to notice these flaws? Who? How does the reader know this?

(see the answer keys)

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