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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 long does it take to get the Minnie ready to sail?

2. Who does Maturin greet?

3. Where do the Catalan forces go?

4. Who joins Aubrey in chasing the Minnie?

5. Why would Aubrey pretend to chase the Minnie?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the Grimsholm fortress.

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

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

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

6. What happens after the Ariel sails through the narrow Baltic entrance?

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

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

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

10. What is the emergency to which Aubrey awakens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Not only is Great Britian engaged in a war against France and Napoleon's allies, it is at the time of THE SURGEON'S MATE engaged in a war with the United States, later named the War of 1812. Discuss the following:

1. What is the War of 1812 and why does it occur? Do you think the British or Americans are most to blame for the problems that engender the war? Which side does O'Brian show the most sympathy?

2. How does it feel if you are from the United States to read about a war from the perspective of the "enemy"? How does that affect your reactions to the events in the book?

3. What do you think are the unique problems for Great Britain in being engaged in wars on two different fronts? Do you think Great Britain was unwise in not settling the issues with the United States rather than going to war? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Aubrey, though very bright in many ways, is somewhat superstitious, a trait common to many sailors. Discuss the following:

1. What is superstition? Can you name a few common superstitions? Do any of them seem to have any validity in logic?

2. Why do you think sailors have the reputation for being superstitious? Do you think it is true? What occurs in The Surgeon's Mate that is explained by or attributed to superstition? Are there other explanations for the occurrences?

3. What are some of the superstitions you are familiar with that sailors seem to believe? Do you believe any of them? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in Mauritius.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles/hostile actions between two vessels described in the novel with one from WWII.

(see the answer keys)

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