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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. How does Aubrey react to his discovery?

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

3. What is Maturin's position on board?

4. What does Aubrey inspect with Tom?

5. In what country does Port Jackson lie?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What and how does Aubrey learn about Moahu?

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

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

5. What do Aubrey and the crew do to Surprise every morning and why?

6. Who are the rowers of the Trulove boat that is sent over to Surprise and what does Aubrey learn from them?

7. Where do Surprise and Trulove sail and what passes between Maturin and Clarissa as they are sailing?

8. What does Aubrey host on the way to Moahu and what is his and Maturin's estimation of Clarissa?

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

10. What does Clarissa tell Maturin about which he is excited and what does he do?

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

THE TRUELOVE, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of THE TRUELOVE and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Truelove is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. State what you think are three characteristics of a successful novel and whether or not Truelove in your opinion is a successful novel.

(see the answer keys)

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