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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 the First Secretary promise Aubrey?

2. Where is the treacherous sea through which they are sailing?

3. Who seems to take to the desert trek?

4. What ship do they find?

5. About what is the Admiral disappointed?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the encounter with the treasure galley.

2. What does Maturin tell Fielding about his wife and about Maturin's friendship with his wife?

3. What seems to demonstrate that Aubrey's failure to gain the treasure will not be held against him?

4. How does Mrs. Fielding change the atmosphere on board the Surprise?

5. What does Mr. Fielding falsely believe about Aubrey and how does that influence Mr. Fielding's choices?

6. How does Maturin gain political favors from Wray and what are those favors?

7. With what is the Admiral most concerned about the events surrounding the treasure ship's trickery?

8. What is the attitude of the crew and why as they are returning on the Niobe?

9. To whom does Aubrey make his report about the treasure ship and what is the person's reaction?

10. Who are Mr. Honey and Mr. Maitland and how does Aubrey help them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though it is not as evident in Treason's Harbour as others, most of the entire series of novels concerning Captain Jack Aubrey takes place during the Napoleonic Wars. Therefore, understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of this book and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the naval aspect of the Napoleonic Wars between Britain and France.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British navy during either WWI or WWII.

Essay Topic 2

During this era in which Treason's Harbour is set, there are class distinctions that are strongly adhered to. Aubrey and Maturin are both gentlemen. Discuss one of the following:

1. How do the divisions of class tend to make divisions among men? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a class-based society? What evidence is there of those advantages and disadvantages in Treason's Harbour?

2. In the English military of that era, nobles and gentlemen generally were the officers and very few of the working or peasant class could cross the line into officer territory. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?

3. Do you think there is a class system in the United States? Does it carry over to the military? Why or why not? Some research may be required.

Essay Topic 3

Treason's Harbour is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following.

1. What are two advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are two 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 or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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