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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 Fox act towards Maturin after the affair in question #154?

2. How does Aubrey find the group of diplomats?

3. Why does Aubrey hold classes in seamanship and navigation for the midshipmen aboard?

4. What type of port, politically, is Pulo Prabang?

5. Why is the Inaccessible Island given that name?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What is Fox's response to his situation and how does that affect Maturin?

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

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

8. What does Maturin bring to van Buren's house and what do the two men do?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, etc...the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. This was the purpose for the Surprise having a letter of marque. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

Essay Topic 2

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.

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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