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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 as Aubrey is trying to get the Ariel away from The Thatcher?

2. How does Maturin feel about the reunion?

3. Why is Pellworm uncomfortable?

4. What does Pellworm predict as he is put ashore?

5. For what does Aubrey use Maturin's hack watch?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Aubrey searching for a suitable ship to capture?

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

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

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

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

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

8. How does the Minnie complete her mission?

9. What is the emergency to which Aubrey awakens?

10. Describe the Grimsholm fortress.

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

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

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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