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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 threatening British interests in the area where they are headed?

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

3. What is Maturin's position on board?

4. What does Aubrey host as the Surprise heads for its new assignment?

5. How does narration characterize their mission?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the conversation during the wedding dinner.

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

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

5. What do Maturin and Clarissa go ashore to do, but what do they end up doing?

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

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

8. 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?

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

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

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 2

Aubrey recalls Surprise's visit to Port Jackson and political difficulties encountered because of Stepand hen Maturin's involvement in a dispute of honor. Aubrey also is angry that Maturin's assistant, Padeen Coleman, is aboard the ship. Aubrey, unwittingly and unknowingly, had given his word to the governor that no stowaways were aboard. This is a serious issue to Aubrey that his word may have been compromised. Discuss the following:

1. How do you define the concept of "honor"?

2. Why do you think honor is so important to upper-class gentlemen?

3. Should Aubrey be held accountable and should it be considered a breach of his honor if he has given his word in good faith? Why or why not?

4. During the time period of Truelove, duels are often fought over a question of honor, sometimes regarding issues that to the "modern" person seems a silly thing to fight a duel that could end up with one or both of the duelists dying. Do you think there is any issue of honor worth dying for? Why or why not? Give examples.

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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