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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 does Maturin meet Mr. Fielding?

2. Who greets Aubrey and his crew favorably?

3. Why does Aubrey give chase to a galley ship they encounter?

4. Of what does Dundas complain?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What are conditions like for the men on board the Niobe?

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

5. What happens to the crew's supplies?

6. What happens in Mrs. Fielding's home while Maturin sits in the dark awaiting her return?

7. What are Maturin and Martin not affected by the weather as much?

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

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

10. How does the crew fare on their hike and who is the exception?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 Treason's Harbour.

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).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles/hostile actions between two vessels described in the novel with one from WWII.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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