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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 is threatening British interests in the area where they are headed?

2. To whom does Aubrey give his word that there are no stowaways on board?

3. What is Aubrey doing as he is standing on the quarterdeck?

4. What does the crew catch?

5. What does Maturin start having about Clarissa?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Aubrey hope for on his return to England?

2. Why do Sarah and Emily become upset and how is the problem solved?

3. How does the enlisted crew celebrate Oakes' wedding?

4. Describe William Oakes.

5. Describe Captain Aubrey.

6. How does Aubrey treat the crew during the voyage to Moahu?

7. What does Aubrey say about the dinner later that night to Maturin?

8. What does the lookout spot as they are leaving the area of Norfolk Island and what does Aubrey decide to do about it?

9. How does Aubrey ready his crew for battle and what is Clarissa's reaction to this?

10. Describe Stephan Maturin.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Clarissa offers her life story to Maturin, stating her story in a monotone with little affect. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Clarissa relates her story to Maturin in the way she does?

2. Do you think Clarissa would be treated as harshly today in the justice system? Why or why not?

3. What do you think would have happened to "cousin" Edward today if he were discovered to be using Clarissa and the other girl in the way that he does? Do you think the difference between today and then indicates a higher moral compass for modern society?

Essay Topic 2

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in THE TRUELOVE.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

Essay Topic 3

Aubrey is an officer and a gentleman and is therefore accorded more respect and trust even in enemy territory than the common sailor. Discuss the following:

1. Does it seem likely that officers are usually more trustworthy than enlisted men back then? What about today? Why or why not?

2. Aubrey has an adulterous affair with a young native woman . Do you think this is how an officer and gentleman comports himself? Why or why not?

3. In the present military in the United States, both officers and enlisted can be held for court martial for adultery or having sexual relations with someone of inferior rank. Why do you think this is so? Do you agree with the policy?

4. In the time in which THE TRUELOVE is set, an officer's word was assumed to always be good; whereas a non-officer was not considered trustworthy. What is the flaw in this standard? Do you think it affects the moral and/or morals of non-officers? How? What about the morale of each group?

(see the answer keys)

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