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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who cries out in admiration for Guy Fawkes?

2. Who are Wray and Ledward?

3. Who is reserved and proper nearly to the point of being rude?

4. Who are two people Maturin and Clarissa talk about?

5. What does Reade do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

During this era in which THE TRUELOVE is set, there are strongly-adhered-to class distinctions. Aubrey and Maturin are both gentlemen. Discuss one of the following:

1. How do the divisions of class tend to make divisions among men? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a class-based society? What evidence is there of those advantages and disadvantages in THE TRUELOVE?

2. In the English military of that era, nobles and gentlemen generally were the officers and very few of the working or peasant class could cross the line and become officers. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?

3. Do you think there is a class system in the United States? Does it carry over to the military? Why or why not? (Some research may be required.)

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