Surprise sails for Moahu and Aubrey orders punishment, including a rare bout of flogging for those most insubordinate. In those days, and even now, the captain of a ship is almost "godlike." Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think a captain's authority on board a ship is so absolute?

2. Do you think Aubrey abuses his authority as a captain? Why or why not?

3. Do you think many captains possibly abuse their authority during this era? Why or why not?

4. What recourse do you think sailors had against an abusive captain? Do you think they have more recourse today? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The Surprise encounters a storm at sea. After the storm blows over, Aubrey continues to press the crew hard; Clarissa does not appear at breakfast for several days, and Oakes claims she fell during the storm and wounded her face. Maturin calls on her and sees she has a livid black eye, obviously caused by being punched--Oakes has beat Clarissa. Discuss the following:

1. Is it legal during this time period (1813) for a husband to beat his wife?

2. Why do you think Oakes lies about Clarissa's bruises if it was legal for him to beat her?

3. What does Maturin do about the fact that it is obvious that Oakes beats Clarissa? Do you agree with Maturin's actions? Why or why not?

4. What do you think you would do if you were in the same situation as Maturin? Explain your rationale.

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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