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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 type of cargo is the ship in question #91 carrying?

2. What is done at the meeting in the Andes?

3. How is Martin doing physically by Chapter 6?

4. In what condition is Martin when Maturin checks on him later?

5. Who is Maturin's guide?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is done at the meeting for the rebellion?

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

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

5. What side trip do Maturin and Eduardo take and what happens after they leave there?

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

7. Describe Eduardo and what kind of relationship do he and Maturin develop?

8. What does Sam Panda have to say when he comes aboard the Surprise?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Maturin acts as a covert agent for the Crown and attempts a covert operation in Peru.

1. What sort of covert operations does Maturin undertake? How similar do you think his covert operations are to that of an organization such as the CIA of today?

2. How is Maturin's role as a covert agent play a part in Peru's history?

3. Do you see any conflict of interests between being a doctor and also a covert operator? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in The Wine-dark Sea and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed? Which is more interesting?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Aubrey who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

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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