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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. In what country does Port Jackson lie?

2. What British interests or laws are being threatened?

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

4. With whom does Aubrey confer in Aubrey's cabin?

5. What is closed?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the conversation during the wedding dinner.

2. What and how does Aubrey learn about Moahu?

3. How does Aubrey get into Pabay harbor and what does Trulove do?

4. Describe the situation with Midshipman Reade.

5. Who captains the Franklin and what is the man's philosophy?

6. Describe Captain Aubrey.

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

8. Describe William Oakes.

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

10. Describe Emily and Sarah Sweeting.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Patrick O'Brian has tried as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think THE TRUELOVE qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in THE TRUELOVE 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 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 TRUELOVE.

2. Identify where the parts of the plot seem to fall in THE TRUELOVE. Explain using examples.

3. Define the literary term "subplot." Write a sentence or two synopsis of a subplot in THE TRUELOVE.

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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