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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is the Franklin?

2. What sort of reception does the Surprise receive?

3. For what reason do Clarissa and Maturin go ashore together?

4. Why has Martin avoided Clarissa?

5. What position does Clarissa eventually add on to her first job?

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

Truelove is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following.

1. What are a couple advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are a couple disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier, more difficult, or about the same to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

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.

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This section contains 470 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample