There are a number of literary elements that occur in many works of fiction. Irony is a means of increasing both the humor and the complexity of a story. O'Brien often includes irony in his Aubrey/Maturin series. Point of view is the way the story is narrated; all works of fiction have a point of view. Conflict is almost always present in a work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary terms irony, point of view and conflict.

2. Identify two instances of irony in Truelove, offering examples from the text.

3. Identify the point of view of the novel and discuss why you think O'Brien chooses to use that particular point of view. Does the point of view seem to be the best one for THE TRUELOVE? Why or why not.

4. Identfiy two major conflicts in THE TRUELOVE. Are the conflicts completely resolved by the end of THE TRUELOVE? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Aubrey is an officer and a gentleman and is therefore accorded more respect and trust even in enemy territory than the common sailor. Discuss the following:

1. Does it seem likely that officers are usually more trustworthy than enlisted men back then? What about today? Why or why not?

2. Aubrey has an adulterous affair with a young native woman . Do you think this is how an officer and gentleman comports himself? Why or why not?

3. In the present military in the United States, both officers and enlisted can be held for court martial for adultery or having sexual relations with someone of inferior rank. Why do you think this is so? Do you agree with the policy?

4. In the time in which THE TRUELOVE is set, an officer's word was assumed to always be good; whereas a non-officer was not considered trustworthy. What is the flaw in this standard? Do you think it affects the moral and/or morals of non-officers? How? What about the morale of each group?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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