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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. What does Maturin think about in relation to Batavia?

2. From what British government action are the sailors of the Surprise exempt?

3. How does Aubrey feel towards Ledward and Wray?

4. Why did Martin take a position on the Surprise?

5. What kind of experience does the crew on the Surprise have?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Maturin think about as they sail along the coast of Ireland?

2. How does the captain of the Diane feel about being replaced and on what day does Aubrey take command?

3. What kind of journey did Sir Joseph have from Corunna and why has he come to Lisbon?

4. What do Aubrey and Maturin do after meeting with Fox?

5. What ship is Aubrey in command of at the beginning of the book?

6. Who owns the Surprise and what kind of work does the owner do?

7. What happens to the Surprise with Aubrey's new orders and what do Pullings and Aubrey arrange?

8. From where do many of the crew come?

9. What kind of honor does Fox inquire about to Aubrey and what is Aubrey's answer?

10. What ship does Surprise see shortly after leaving England and what does Aubrey do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Thirteen Gun Salute is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following:

1. What are 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, more difficult, or about the same to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Often in O'Brian's series involving Jack Aubrey, his ship and/or life is saved by extraordinary means. Discuss the following:

1. Research and define the literary term "narrative contrivance."

2. Identify and analyze a time in the book when O'Brian makes free use of the technique of narrative contrivance to save Aubrey and his ship or to set up a subplot in Thirteen Gun Salute.

3. Does the use of narrative contrivance diminish the impact of the plot? The believability of the storyline?

4. Is there any other way O'Brian could have a mixture of suspense and action while at the same time making certain the main characters are not killed?

Essay Topic 3

Thirteen Gun Salute, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note in that the treaty was obtained and the men on the ship were all saved before Diane was smashed apart. 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 Thirteen Gun Salute and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Thirteen Gun Salute 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 Thirteen Gun Salute in your opinion is a successful novel.

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