View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Maturin's group detour to see?

2. What kind of news does the Englishman give Aubrey?

3. Who is Maturin's guide?

4. What is one of the possibly permanent problems Martin has physically?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Aubrey fool the whaler?

4. With whom does Maturin meet and why?

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

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

7. What is the result of Martin's self-medication?

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

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

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

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

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 979 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample