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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. Who is pursuing the Surprise?

2. What does Aubrey think about life at sea compared to that on land?

3. What is closed?

4. What port do they depart at the opening of the story?

5. What do Aubrey and the scout seem to have?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What else does Maturin do during the voyage to Moahu?

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

5. What does Aubrey discover when he and Pullings are below and what is Aubrey's response?

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

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

8. What happens after the victory by Aubrey's men and Puloani?

9. What does Aubrey say about the dinner later that night to Maturin?

10. What angers Aubrey about Padeen Coleman?

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

Though it is not as evident in this book as others, most of the entire series of novels concerning Captain Jack Aubrey takes place during the Napoleonic Wars; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of THE TRUELOVE and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the naval aspect of the Napoleonic Wars between Britain and France.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British navy during either WWI or WWII.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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