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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. Where do the Catalan forces go?

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

4. Who is the HMS Jason chasing?

5. Who is waiting to greet the crew of the Ariel as they come ashore?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the chase scene when the Ariel goes after the Minnie.

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

3. What is the emergency to which Aubrey awakens?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. What does Ariel do after leaving Grisholm?

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

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

THE SURGEON'S MATE is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following.

1. What is a couple advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are a couple disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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