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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. Why are the crew's spirits low?

2. What surprises Maturin about Mr. Fielding?

3. What does Maturin tell Mr. Fielding?

4. What ship do they find?

5. From what does the Surprise escape?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Major Pollock tell Aubrey and what is Aubrey's response?

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

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

5. What surprise awaits Maturin when the Surprise gains a Turkish port?

6. Why does Aubrey decide to commence training Mr. Maitland and Mr. Honey?

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

8. How does Maturin help to protect Mrs. Fielding and pull off and intelligence coup?

9. Who leaves instructions for Aubrey and what are the orders?

10. What happens to the crew's supplies?

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

Patrick O'Brian has tried as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Treason's Harbour qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of the early 1800s is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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