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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 does Maturin think would happen to an unfamiliar warship approaching Grimsholm?

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

4. What do Ariel and her transports manage to weather?

5. What is held after meeting up with the fleet?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What transpires in the meeting between Sir Joseph Blaine and Maturin?

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

4. Describe the Grimsholm fortress.

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

6. What happens to several of the French officers aboard the Minnie?

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

8. What does Ariel do after leaving Grisholm?

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

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

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

Patrick O'Brian has tried as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think THE SURGEON'S MATE qualifies as historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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