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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. Why would Aubrey pretend to chase the Minnie?

2. Where do the Catalan forces go?

3. What is Jagiello supposed to be doing?

4. Where do the transports loaded with Catalan troops go?

5. From what does Hyde suffer?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Briefly describe Ariel's Senior Lieutenant, Hyde.

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

4. What does Ariel do after leaving Grisholm?

5. What is the emergency to which Aubrey awakens?

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

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

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

9. How does the Ariel slow the Médusae down enough for the HMS Jason to catch the Médusae?

10. What is the result of the meeting between Maturin and his Godfather?

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 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 3

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and Jack Aubrey is no exception. Aubrey's insight and a nearly infallible instinct tends to carry him through the various perils he encounters.

1. Trace and analyze situations when Aubrey demonstrates his instinct for handling problems at sea. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze Aubrey's character flaws, especially his ineptness on land, with business ventures and wandering eye as far as women are concerned.

3. Discuss how you think Aubrey's admirable traits helped him obtain a high rank in the Navy? How does Aubrey hide his character flaws so they have not impeded his career. Do any of those under his command seem to notice these flaws? Who? How does the reader know this?

(see the answer keys)

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