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

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does the Surprise put in?

2. What does Clarissa relate in a monotone?

3. How is the dinner conversation?

4. Upon whose behalf do Maturin and Aubrey think they must intervene?

5. What is the focal point of the French power at Moahu?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

There are a number of instances of foreshadowing in THE TRUELOVE. Many of these instances, readers will recognize as probable foreshadowing; others, the readers may not be aware until the event which is foreshadowed occurs. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term foreshadow. Why do you think authors foreshadow a future event? What might be a reader's reaction to a sudden tragic or wonderful event if there were no hints whatsoever that it might occur?

2. Find four events that are foreshadowed in and pair up the foreshadowing text with the event. Analyze each event to include the following: What is foreshadowed? Is the method O'Brian uses to foreshadow effective? Did you guess when a particular text was foreshadowing a future event? Did you guess what the event is?

3. Along with foreshadowing, symbolism usually plays a role in most works of fiction? How extensive is the use of symbolism in Truelove? Is there enough symbolism to add depth to the writing? Interest to the writing? Explain your statements with examples.

Essay Topic 3

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in THE TRUELOVE.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 482 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample