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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 much seniority did Aubrey lose?

2. What do Aubrey and Maturin do after Maturin enlists Ahmed?

3. Upon what subject does Maturin and the man in question #33 disagree?

4. Who is the first lieutenant aboard the Diane?

5. What rank is Aubrey after reinstatement?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who reinstates Aubrey and under what conditions?

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

3. What does Maturin think about in relation to Padeen?

4. What is the crew of the Surprise like?

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

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

7. What does Maturin think about doing about the ship they saw and what does he decide?

8. What does Surprise do after they finish with the ship they saw?

9. Why is the man in question #2 on the Surprise?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Though Thirteen Gun Salute is probably more action driven rather than character driven, obviously there are several characters who make the novel what it is. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Aubrey and Maturin. How are they similar? How are they different? Would you consider one of them a stronger character than the other? How does each of them add to the story?

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Maturin and Sir Joseph. How are they similar? How are they different? Would you consider one of them a stronger character than the other? How does each of them add to the story?

3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Jack Aubrey, discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.

(see the answer keys)

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