Upon first starting this website I also started something I called The Aubreyad Press Gang to do a group read of the series. We got through the first and second novels before the project fell by the wayside, but the discussion questions remain. Perhaps someday the APG will set sail once more…
*SPOILERS*
April 19, 2010 – April 25, 2010
The Aubreyad Press Gang Epic Adventure Week One
1. FVs: Now that we’ve seen a little more of Stephen, what are your impressions of him? Do you like him? Why or why not?
OHs: As best you can recall, what were your impressions of Stephen as you got to know him better in this chapter? What are the differences this time?
2. Why do you think Stephen opens up to Jack on the subject of his financial situation? Does this seem typical of him? Do you think Jack would have done the same? What does it say about Stephen’s character and their developing friendship?
3. Jack gets ahold of some very heavy chasers despite the skepticism of everyone who learns of his intentions. Why? What does this say about his character?
4. Jack has had temporary commands before, but the Sophie is his first experience as Captain (or Master and Commander, to be technical). Yet he immediately begins to take risks with the sails and chasers and seems utterly at ease. Is this confidence realistic? Is it justified?
5. In this chapter, Jack, Stephen and James Dillon all begin their day with mild blasphemy:
‘Christ’, said Jack as the shattering din of the carpenter’s hammer…
Three pages later, Maturin:
‘Christ’, he said at last. ‘Another day’.
And another two pages later:
‘Christe’ hummed James Dillon under his breath.
Is this significant?
6. Jack gives Stephen a few guineas in an envelope and tells him it’s typical in the service to draw an advance upon one’s pay. While this is technically true, the circumstances don’t apply to Stephen at this point. What is Jack’s motivation? Is Stephen aware?
Questions by your captain and whitefang.
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