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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 know decreases the longer they are at sea?

2. Besides his wife, who else has written Maturin?

3. Who greets Aubrey and his crew favorably?

4. Who accompanies the Surprise on its new assignment?

5. What does Maturin observe that pleases him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Maturin think about concerning Mrs. Fielding?

2. What concerns the men when they arrive at the fort, but what happens in the end?

3. How does the Egyptian Wind affect sailing?

4. How does Maturin learn that the galley is not carrying treasure?

5. What happens to the crew's supplies?

6. Describe the encounter with the treasure galley.

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

8. Describe the capture of a French privateer by the Surprise.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

At sea, the commander of a vessel is "God," and failure to obey the Captain's orders can subject one to court martial and even execution. Discuss the following:

1. Should sailors be held accountable for anything they do under orders? Discuss fully, using examples both from Treason's Harbour and your own knowledge.

2. Why do you think mutiny on a ship is punishable by death?

3. Is there ever justification for a crew to mutiny?

Essay Topic 3

Most people and regular soldiers detest spies and the idea of spying. Spies are not considered in the same vein as soldiers in uniform and are not protected by the customs and regulations that govern the treatment of soldiers who are in uniform when captured. Maturin is a spy for the British government. Discuss one of the following:

1. Why do you think spies are not accorded any rights under many countries' laws and/or customs?

2. Even though all countries abhor spies, often even their own, they still spy, and men and women are still willing to be spies. Discuss why you think this is so.

3. Research and analyze the history of spying in either England, the United States or Russia.

4. Does Maturin seem the image of a typical spy as you visualize one? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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