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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 happens to Martin when the Surprise comes into port?

2. What does Maturin describe in his letter to his wife from Peru?

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

4. What condition seems to be covering Martin's skin?

5. What helps Maturin's physical problems?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Pullings see and hear as he puts out to sea in Surprise?

2. With whom does Maturin meet and why?

3. What shape is Maturin in after the storm and how does he make it out of the mountains?

4. How does Aubrey fool the whaler?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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