View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what part of the ship were the prisoners held?

2. Where does Aubrey head after the illness is over?

3. What does Aubrey tell Maturin about the card players he's been with?

4. What kind of storm does Aubrey run into at the start of his voyage?

5. What is Maturin asked to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Maturin find out about Aubrey's next assignment on the sea?

2. Why has Villiers left her home?

3. What does Maturin receive from Herapath twice and what does he find out?

4. How do the prisoners fare during the storm and what crimes do they commit?

5. Grant subtly but constantly criticizes Aubrey's handling of the ship--an irritating trait in any man but particularly when directed at such an obvious nautical genius as Aubrey. Why do you think Grant continues to criticize a captain who is obviously a superior seaman?

6. What happens when the epidemic hits and who does Herapath replace?

7. What kind of storm does Aubrey hit when he first sails and what does he do about it?

8. Wogan's viewing of Aubrey's nude body is humorous and a fictional inversion of usual events. Why do you think the scene is an inversion of usual events?

9. What happens to the convalescents on the ship?

10. Who is Lieutenant Grant and what is Aubrey's problem with him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Along with superstitions, the ships crew seem to find mystical meanings in various symbols. Discuss the following:

1. What are six symbols in DESOLATION ISLAND and their meanings. Are the meanings logical or based upon superstitions?

2. Discuss three metaphors in the novel and their impact on the understanding of the plot.

3. Discuss O'Brian's narrative style as it applies to his descriptions. Is his style effective? Interesting? Lively?

Essay Topic 2

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in this book and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Aubrey who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Often in O'Brian's series involving Jack Aubrey, his ship and/or life is saved by extraordinary means. Discuss the following:

1. Identify and analyze a time in the book when O'Brian makes free use of the technique of narrative contrivance to save Aubrey and his ship.

2. Does the use of narrative contrivance diminish the impact of the plot? The believability of the storyline?

3. Is there any other way O'Brian could have a mixture of suspense and action while at the same time making certain the main characters are not killed?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 961 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample