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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. What does Aubrey catch sight of while looking for a prize?

2. What does Pullings do after readying Surprise?

3. How does Aubrey and the other men look?

4. What is Gayongos entrusted with by the British Naval Intelligence?

5. Who is considered a wanted fugitive?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Surprise reaches port at Callao? What does Maturin do?

2. Why does Aubrey go out to sea in Franklin, what does he encounter and what does he discover?

3. What does Aubrey hope to find as they sail to Peru and how does he find it?

4. What does Gayongos say about Dutourd when he arrives for the meeting?

5. What does Shelton volunteer for and what does he tell Aubrey?

6. What does Aubrey attempt to do to correct what he found out about Dutourd?

7. What happens to Aubrey as they take the French ship?

8. Where does Maturin go when he leaves Callao the first time and who does he meet? Why is he going there?

9. Who are two of the main figures in the planned rebellion and how do they stand on the issue?

10. Who is Edward Shelton and why is he aboard the American whaler?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Martin has abused himself both physically and mentally because of feeling guilty about whatever kind of relationship he had with Clarissa. Maturin confides to Diana that he suspects Martin had some type of sexual relationship with Clarissa and is now suffering a moral conundrum about being a married Christian reverend on the one hand and a lustful adulterer on the other.

1. Discuss some ways in which Martin might have been able to deal with his guilt besides causing himself permanent physical problems. Use examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

2. Religious beliefs are strong influences on many people. Beliefs can have both negative and positive effects on a person's life. Discuss the ways in which Martin's religion has both positive and negative effects on his life.

3. Maturin watches the behavior and emotional trauma that Martin has been experiencing. As a friend, what do you think are some of the ways in which Maturin was loving in his behavior with Martin and some of the ways in which Maturin was not loving with his friend.

Essay Topic 2

At the conclusion of a novel, most readers either consciously or unconsciously engage in processing the book and usually come to a conclusion as to whether they like the book or not. Discuss one of the following:

1. Would you consider The Wine-dark Sea a "good" book? Why or why not? Use examples to illustrate your stance.

2. What do you think are the elements of an outstanding novel? Analyze one of your favorite novels to see if those elements are present.

3. What are some reasons you might consider a novel a failure? Analyze a novel you think is a failure and see if those elements are in that novel.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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