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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 vessel are Aubrey and Maturin sailing?

3. What do Maturin and Aubrey agree on about Clarissa?

4. What vessel is closing on Surprise?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe Stephan Maturin.

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

5. Why does Aubrey send Bonden to scout the shore of Norfolk Island?

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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