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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 has Maturin been called by the person in question #140?

3. Where has Maturin gone?

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

5. What does Aubrey find out when he takes Franklin to sea to look for a prize?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Where has Maturin been sent after the collapse of the rebellion?

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

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

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

7. Who does Maturin write about his mission and what does he tell him?

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 is the result of Martin's self-medication?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in The Wine-dark Sea.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

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

Sailors are notoriously superstitious. Even Aubrey, though very bright in many ways, is somewhat superstitious, a trait common to many sailors. Discuss the following:

1. What is superstition? Can you name a few common superstitions? Do any of them seem to have any validity in logic?

2. Why do you think sailors have the reputation for being superstitious? Do you think it is true? What superstitions are mentioned in The Wine-dark Sea?

3. What are some of the superstitions you are familiar with that sailors seem to believe? Do you believe any of them? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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