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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 does Surprise cross at the opening to Chapter 3?

2. How does narration characterize their mission?

3. What does Aubrey encounter in their first port of call?

4. Who owns the vessel?

5. Who performs the marriage ceremony between Oakes and Clarissa?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Oakes tell Aubrey and what is Clarissa's response?

3. Describe Emily and Sarah Sweeting.

4. Describe the conversation during the wedding dinner.

5. How does Clarissa end up at a penal colony in Australia?

6. How is Clarissa dressed for the ceremony and who performs the ceremony to marry Oakes and Clarissa?

7. How do Aubrey and Maturin pass the next few days while at sea?

8. What has Aubrey unwittingly violated by having Padeen Coleman aboard and why is that a serious thing to Aubrey?

9. How do Clarissa's activities slide into prostitution?

10. Describe William Oakes.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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--such as is the case when the Truelove is captured as a "prize." 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?

4. Which vessel(s) mentioned in Truelove fall under this maritime law and what are the circumstances of their capture? Does it seem fair?

Essay Topic 3

During this era in which THE TRUELOVE 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 THE TRUELOVE?

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.)

(see the answer keys)

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