1. Research and report on the civil war that fractured English society during the mid-seventeenth century.

2. Even the pirates in The Dark Frigate have some standards, one of which is loyalty to their leader. Which characters are disloyal? What are their reasons for disloyalty, and are any of these reasons valid? What characters demonstrate very strong loyalty? Write an essay about loyalty in the novel, and decide which characters, in your opinion, are justified in being loyal or disloyal to their various leaders.

3. Many critics have faulted Hawes for not making Tom Jordan more closely resemble Treasure Island's Long John Silver, who, despite being a pirate, is a warm and likable character. Why do you suppose Hawes portrays Jordan as cold and cruel? Do you think Hawes made the right choice?

4. Many stories about the sea conclude with the heroes returning...