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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. Who takes over command of Franklin?

2. What does a shot from Franklin do to Surprise?

3. What does everyone at the dinner table oppose no matter their other beliefs?

4. What nationality is the Franklin?

5. How does Dutourd think Aubrey should consider him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why has Dutourd commissioned the Franklin and what does he plan to do?

2. How is Martin behaving and what does Maturin see Martin doing?

3. What were the mortar rounds the Surprise crew thought were being sent at them?

4. What does Maturin write to Diana about Martin and how does Martin and Maturin's friendship fare?

5. How do the various religious groups on Surprise get along both on the ship and ashore?

6. How does Reade accidentally slow down the Surprise?

7. What is Maturin's personal reason for going to Peru?

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

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

10. What is happening to the ocean and the winds by the end of Chapter 1 and what does Aubrey think of it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Wine-dark Sea takes place during the War of 1812 where Britain is fighting America; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of The Wine-dark Sea and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the War of 1812 begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the naval aspect of the War of 1812 between Britain and America.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British navy during the War of 1812 to the importance of the British navy during either WWI or WWII.

Essay Topic 2

The Wine-dark Sea, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note in that the Surprise was saved by an English battleship.

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Wine-dark Sea and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Wine-dark Sea is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. State what you think are three characteristics of a successful novel and whether or not The Wine-dark Sea in your opinion is a successful novel.

Essay Topic 3

During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, etc...the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. This was the purpose for the Surprise having a letter of marque. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

(see the answer keys)

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