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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 is Aubrey's vessel headed now?

2. What is the approximate date at the opening of the novel?

3. How does Aubrey find the Surprise?

4. What does Aubrey think about life at sea compared to that on land?

5. What does Aubrey order regarding pursuit?

Short Essay Questions

1. What would the officers normally do to celebrate a wedding and how do they finally manage to do so?

2. What do Maturin and Clarissa do during the voyage to Moahu?

3. How does Edward treat Clarissa as she gets older?

4. What strategy do Maturin and Aubrey agree upon despite what misgivings?

5. Why are Aubrey and Pullings going below?

6. What ship closes to Surprises and what is its purpose?

7. What do the officers do on the same evening as the crew's celebration, and what do Aubrey and Maturin notice?

8. What and how does Aubrey learn about Moahu?

9. What happens after the victory by Aubrey's men and Puloani?

10. Why is Clarissa put out onto the streets and what does she do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and Jack Aubrey is no exception. Aubrey's insight and a nearly infallible instinct tends to carry him through the various perils he encounters, yet he is also plagued with doubts and is not above an occasional act of adultery.

1. Trace and analyze situations when Aubrey demonstrates his instinct for handling problems at sea. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze Aubrey's character flaws, especially his ineptness on land, with business ventures and wandering eye as far as women are concerned.

3. Discuss how you think Aubrey's admirable traits helped his career in the Navy? How does Aubrey hide his character flaws so they have not impeded his career. Do any of those under his command seem to notice these flaws? Who? How does the reader know this?

Essay Topic 2

The Surprise encounters a storm at sea. After the storm blows over, Aubrey continues to press the crew hard; Clarissa does not appear at breakfast for several days, and Oakes claims she fell during the storm and wounded her face. Maturin calls on her and sees she has a livid black eye, obviously caused by being punched--Oakes has beat Clarissa. Discuss the following:

1. Is it legal during this time period (1813) for a husband to beat his wife?

2. Why do you think Oakes lies about Clarissa's bruises if it was legal for him to beat her?

3. What does Maturin do about the fact that it is obvious that Oakes beats Clarissa? Do you agree with Maturin's actions? Why or why not?

4. What do you think you would do if you were in the same situation as Maturin? Explain your rationale.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in THE TRUELOVE. Does the setting seem to be the best one for the plot? Can you think of a better setting? Why or why not?

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of THE TRUELOVE. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of THE TRUELOVE. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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