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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 is Aubrey intending to do?

2. What will happen if Oakes marries Clarissa?

3. Where is Aubrey's vessel headed now?

4. How does Aubrey react to his discovery?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

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

5. Why do Sarah and Emily become upset and how is the problem solved?

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

7. How does the enlisted crew celebrate Oakes' wedding?

8. Describe Stephan Maturin.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Truelove brings to light the use of penal colonies by the British during the era in which THE TRUELOVE takes place. Discuss the following:

1. Research the British use of penal colonies? What is the significance of Port Jackson? What is Port Jackson today?

2. Do you think penal colonies were a positive solution to the problem of confining criminals in England? Why or why not?

3. What do you think is the impact of the development of Australia and other countries where England sent its criminals? Do you think there is any long-lasting impact upon the countries? Why or why not?

4. What do you think would happen if a major power today tried to ship its criminals to an undeveloped country?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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