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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. What did Villiers leave Maturin?

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

3. Why does Maturin say yes to the request by naval intelligence?

4. Who is Stephen Maturin?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Louisa Wogan and what happened to her?

2. Who comes to call on Maturin after he leaves the Admiralty and what does he say?

3. What does Maturin decide he must do over the Villiers affair and what does he do?

4. Who visits Aubrey often and what does he find Aubrey involved in with his initial visit in this book?

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

6. With whom is Maturin enamored and how is that going for him?

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

8. What does Pullings find after the storm?

9. What happens after the ship is put in order from the storm and what does Maturin discover?

10. How does Maturin manipulate Herapath?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of DESOLATION ISLAND.

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of DESOLATION ISLAND.

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

During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, etc...the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

(see the answer keys)

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