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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. Where does Maturin find the youngest midshipmen and in what condition?

2. Why did Fox see much of Maturin?

3. How does Aubrey feel about the crew of the Diane?

4. Who does Aubrey occasionally allow to come aboard the Diane?

5. How much variation is there on the Diane as the sailing days continue?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Aubrey do with the midshipmen when he allows prostitutes aboard Diane and what do those midshipmen do?

2. What class do the midshipmen find boring and what do they do about it?

3. How does van Buren assist Maturin?

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

5. Who is Van Buren and why does Maturin seek him out in Pulo Prabang?

6. What kind and number of midshipmen does the Diane have and how does Aubrey handle them?

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

8. How does Maturin and van Buren's relationship evolve?

9. Describe, briefly, the Diane.

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

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

Though it is not as evident in this book as others, most of the entire series of novels concerning Captain Jack Aubrey takes place during the Napoleonic Wars; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of Thirteen Gun Salute and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the naval aspect of the Napoleonic Wars between Britain and France.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British navy during either WWI or WWII.

Essay Topic 3

A work of fiction is often organized around a structure called a plot. Discuss the following:

1. Define plot and its major parts (rising action, climax, falling action, resolution [or denouement]). Write a sentence or two synopsis of the major plot of the Thirteen Gun Salute.

2. Identify where the parts of the plot seem to fall in Thirteen Gun Salute. Explain using examples.

3. Define the literary term "subplot." Write a sentence or two synopsis of a subplot in Thirteen Gun Salute.

4. Identify the major parts of the subplot you identified in task number 3.

5. Why do you think identifying the plot and elements of the plot is useful?

(see the answer keys)

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