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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 contemplate doing so Surprise can't catch the ship from question #32?

2. In what position will the person in question #16 be on the Surprise?

3. How much laudanum does Maturin carry aboard?

4. Why is Pullings on the Surprise?

5. What country will the Surprise circumvent first?

Short Essay Questions

1. From where do many of the crew come?

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

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 new orders are Aubrey given in Lisbon?

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

7. What is Aubrey and Pullings' relationship and how are they similar?

8. Who is Maturin's assistant, why is he on the Surprise and how are he and Maturin similar?

9. Who reinstates Aubrey and under what conditions?

10. What happens to Standish on the journey to Corunna?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in Thirteen Gun Salute and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed? Which is more interesting?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Aubrey who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Thirteen Gun Salute. Does the setting seem to be the best one for the plot? Can you think of a better setting? Why or why not?

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Thirteen Gun Salute. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Thirteen Gun Salute. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

Aubrey and Maturin are proper and respectable, Ledward and Wray are debauched and hated; and Aubrey and Maturin value honor and patriotism while Ledward and Wray are self-seeking traitors. Discuss the following:

1. How do you define the concept of "honor"?

2. Why do you think honor is so important to upper-class gentlemen?

3. Should Aubrey be held accountable and should it be considered a breach of his honor if he has given his word in good faith? Why or why not?

4. During the time period of Thirteen Gun Salute, duels are often fought over a question of honor, sometimes regarding issues that to the "modern" person seems a silly thing to fight a duel that could end up with one or both of the duelists dying. Do you think there is any issue of honor worth dying for? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 812 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample