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What type of vessel is the Sophie?

Brig. Although the Sophie is considered a brig with her two masts, she can be called a sloop when Captain Aubrey is aboard.

What is Stephen's heritage?

Irish and Catalan. Stephen's knowledge of the Mediterranean geography and cultures, where he lived as a boy, proves to be invaluable to Jack.

Why was Jack turned before the mast?

Lechery. Jack, always precocious, hid a young girl named Sally aboard the old Reso when he was a mere midshipman.

Who is Jack's idol?

Lord Nelson. Jack loves to relate the anecdote when the great man himself asked Jack to pass him the salt at dinner.

Jack hath a lean and hungry look.

f. Jack is quite portly, but is still nimble and athletic, and loves to climb the rigging.

What is Mowett's special talent? (He is a ____.)

poet. The young midshipmen find themselves overwhelmed with hysteria at Mowett's references to the female anatomy.

What is the secret to Jack's reputation as "Lucky Jack"?

Insider information. Mercedes, she of the lovely bosom, gives Jack information which allows him to capture many merchant ships.

Why does Dillon hold Jack in contempt?

He thinks Jack is a coward.. Jack is incredibly brave, but also highly sensible of his responsibilities as captain of one of His Majesty's ships, which Dillon mistakenly interprets as cowardice.

How do Stephen and Dillon know each other?

Secret societies in Ireland. They pretend not to know each other, which creates serious tension and personal confusion.

Why was Jack before the court of enquiry?

He lost the Sophie.. Although it was standard procedure for any captain who lost his ship, it was very disturbing for Jack - until he was acquitted!

What bothers Jack about his position as Master and Commander?

The isolation. Jack is a gregarious soul, and finds the traditional and necessary isolation of the Captain to be very lonely.

What is the Sophie's greatest achievement?

Capturing the Cacafuego. Jack received many hearty congratulations after his little brig captured this mighty 32-gun frigate.

Why does Jack so long to be made a post captain?

His advancement to admiral would be assured.. After a man is made post, seniority is the determining factor on the road to admiral - provided he lives long enough!

What is a quick way to distinguish a master and commander from a post captain?

His epaulette. A master and commander wears one epaulette, on his left shoulder; a new post captain wears one, on his right shoulder, and a senior post captain wears two.

How does Jack gain Dillon's respect?

Blowing up the fort at Almoraira. Jack led troops ashore during this action, destroying the fort with a spectacular explosion and burning off his hair.

What did Mowett do, when they were watching the Spanish ships from the Rock of Gibraltar, that made Jack wonder about the current state of the Navy, which had changed so much since he was a boy.

Mowett brought Jack a piece of cake to eat.. Jack reflected that he would never have thought to speak to his captain or bring him cake; and would never have done so, for fear of his life. This is a very simple passage which shows how much Jack's men love and honor him, and how unaware Jack is of their regard.

Where does Stephen mess?

The gunroom. Stephen dines with the other officers, except the Captain.

Who was not Jack's mistress?

Lady Warren. No doubt she would have liked to join the other ladies as lovers of Lucky Jack!

What is unusual about Stephen's assistant?

He is a sin eater.. Before he went to sea, Cheslin, as the man was called, would eat bread from a dead man's breast, taking the man's sins upon himself, for a silver piece. He was ostracized by the crew and gained his revenge by poisoning them.

What was an unexpected negative of the capture of the Cacafuego?

Dillon was killed.. Dillon fell leading a boarding party, leaving his issues with Jack and his conscience unresolved.

Which expression causes Stephen distress?

"Lose not a minute!". Stephen found the constant drive to hurry to be very wearing on his spirit.

What happened to Stephen's asp?

It spoiled.. Stephen would have been glad to see the guilty party die from drinking the alcohol preserving such a fine specimen.

What breach of etiquette did Jack commit, while on parole and awaiting his court-martial?

He continued to wear his sword.. While the French captain had returned Jack's sword to him, Admiral Saumarez made him remove it, considering he was to be court-martialed and was under nominal arrest.

How does Jack know Lord Keith's wife?

They were childhood neighbors.. Queeney (who was a real person) was a neighbor of young Jack's, and cared for him often at her home after his mother died. She was a scholar, and helped him greatly with his mathematics.

What is the penalty for sodomy?

Death. One of Jack's first duties aboard the Sophie was to request a court-martial on a seaman accused of this crime with a goat.