View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Pellworm uncomfortable?

2. Why does Aubrey get struck with a piece of hard meat?

3. How is Hyde as a sailor and officer?

4. What does Maturin think the meeting with the commander of Grimsholm will require?

5. Who does Aubrey warn in a small boat?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the emergency to which Aubrey awakens?

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

3. What does Ariel do after leaving Grisholm?

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

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

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 happens after the Ariel sails through the narrow Baltic entrance?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE SURGEON'S MATE, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of THE SURGEON'S MATE and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why THE SURGEON'S MATE is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. State what you think are three characteristics of a successful novel and whether or not THE SURGEON'S MATE in your opinion is a successful novel.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,205 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample