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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. Who meets with D'Ullastret?

2. Who is the HMS Jason chasing?

3. Who does Maturin greet?

4. What is the relationship between Maturin and the commander at Grimsholm?

5. What does Maturin try to teach Jagiello?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Aubrey give a technical discussion of and how does he replace the broken chronometer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in THE SURGEON'S MATE.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of THE SURGEON'S MATE. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of THE SURGEON'S MATE. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Though the author O'Brian may or may not have such personal views on women, the way women are characterized in his naval series is often less than complimentary. Discuss one of the following:

1. Present and analyze the treatment of women in THE SURGEON'S MATE. How is it that women such as Amanda Smith and Diana Villiers receive contempt for sexual relations outside of marriage while the men (such as Aubrey who also commits adultery) do not?

2. O'Brian is trying to be historically accurate, so is his treatment of women in his book(s) justified?

3. Is there any way O'Brian could have presented women in a more positive light as other than whore or wife and still stayed historically accurate? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,224 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample