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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why do Martin and Maturin go aboard the Franklin?

2. What does Aubrey note after examining Franklin's papers?

3. What is the worst situation on Franklin?

4. What seems to happen to the water below the ship?

5. What does Maturin think happened between the woman and Martin?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Reade accidentally slow down the Surprise?

2. What does Maturin think Clarissa has to do with Martin's present state of mind?

3. What does Vidal talk to Maturin about?

4. What does Franklin do to attempt to lose Surprise?

5. What does Surprise do about Franklin after they have made the most urgent repairs?

6. What is happening in Martin and Maturin's relationship and what has Martin told Maturin?

7. What is Maturin's relationship to Aubrey and what is his mission?

8. What do Maturin and Martin do on the Franklin?

9. How did Clarissa affect the crew of the Surprise?

10. What are two promotions Aubrey makes from the forecastle to replace recent losses?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Wine-dark Sea. Does the setting seem to be the best one for the plot? Can you think of a better setting? Why or why not?

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Wine-dark Sea. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Wine-dark Sea. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

The Wine-dark Sea 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

Though The Wine-dark Sea is probably more action driven rather than character driven, obviously there are several characters who make the novel what it is. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Aubrey and Maturin. How are they similar? How are they different? Would you consider one of them a stronger character than the other? How does each of them add to the story?

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Maturin and Sir Joseph. How are they similar? How are they different? Would you consider one of them a stronger character than the other? How does each of them add to the story?

3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Jack Aubrey, discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.

(see the answer keys)

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