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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. Where do the transports loaded with Catalan troops go?

2. What is the Minnie?

3. Who does Aubrey warn in a small boat?

4. Why does Hyde have to cut Jagiello's meat?

5. Where do the Catalan forces go?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ariel do after leaving Grisholm?

2. Who does the Ariel encounter and what does Aubrey decide to do?

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

4. Describe the Grimsholm fortress.

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

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

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

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

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

10. At what does Maturin hint when Aubrey expresses his desire to be at sea?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Aubrey is an officer and a gentleman and is therefore accorded more respect and trust even in enemy territory than the common sailor. Discuss the following:

1. Does it seem likely that officers are usually more respectable than enlisted men back then? What about today? Why or why not.

2. Aubrey has an adulterous affair with Amanda Smith in Halifax. Do you think this is how an officer and gentleman comports himself? Why or why not.

3. In the present military in the United States, both officers and enlisted can be held for court martial for adultery or having sexual relations with someone of inferior rank. Why do you think this is so? Do you agree with the policy?

4. In the time in which THE SURGEON'S MATE is set, an officer's word was assumed to always be good; whereas a non-officer was not considered trustworthy. What is the flaw in this standard? Do you think it affects them moral and/or morals of non-officers? How?

(see the answer keys)

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