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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 does the crew of the Diane feel about Maturin staying ashore in a bawdy-house?

2. Who greets the arrival of Fox enthusiastically at the beginning of Chapter 6?

3. Why is Maturin unable to collect any specimens at the monastery?

4. How did the crew feel about Fox?

5. Why is the Inaccessible Island given that name?

Short Essay Questions

1. What surprises the English about the Sultan and their offer and what does Maturin think about the Sultan's behavior?

2. What has caused the political riots occurring in Pulo Prabang when Maturin returns on leave?

3. Why does Aubrey dislike Fox and how does the crew feel about Fox? What does that force on Fox?

4. Where does Maturin go on a leave and how did he get there?

5. What does Fox believe and what does he do about the French delegation?

6. What does Fox do to impress the Sultan? How does Aubrey prepare?

7. What kind of daily observations does Aubrey take and why does he take them?

8. How does the crew work on the Diane and what does Aubrey do with them?

9. What kind of arrangements does Maturin make in Batavia and why?

10. What island does Diane approach when the wind dies and she gets caught in a current?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During this era in which Thirteen Gun Salute is set, there are strongly-adhered-to class distinctions. Aubrey and Maturin are both gentlemen. Discuss one of the following:

1. How do the divisions of class tend to make divisions among men? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a class-based society? What evidence is there of those advantages and disadvantages in Thirteen Gun Salute?

2. In the English military of that era, nobles and gentlemen generally were the officers and very few of the working or peasant class could cross the line and become officers. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?

3. Do you think there is a class system in the United States? Does it carry over to the military? Why or why not? (Some research may be required.)

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Thirteen Gun Salute.

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Thirteen Gun Salute.

(see the answer keys)

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