View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Aubrey inspect with Tom?

2. What helps Aubrey get a good night's sleep?

3. What color is the bolt of silk which Aubrey has?

4. What British interests or laws are being threatened?

5. What does Surprise cross at the opening to Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the story behind Aubrey captaining the Surprise?

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

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

5. What does Bonden report and what is Aubrey's decision?

6. What are Surprises orders?

7. Who does Aubrey confer with in his cabin and what is the topic of their discussion?

8. What is Aubrey thinking about as Surprise sails out of Port Jackson?

9. How did the young Clarissa come to live with a distant relative who assumed guardianship of her?

10. How does Aubrey finally figure out what is wrong with some of his officers and crew and what does he do to handle the situation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,051 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample