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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 does Aubrey do Saturday evening?

2. What happens with the prisoners as the ship sits still?

3. Why does Sophie talk Aubrey into keeping the command of Leopard?

4. What does Wogan say as to why she is interested in Herapath?

5. What does Maturin do after Wogan expresses an interest in Herapath?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Maturin called to the Admiralty?

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

3. 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?

4. Why has Villiers left her home?

5. Who does Aubrey encounter as they leave Brazil and what does he find out?

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

7. What happens to the convalescents on the ship?

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

9. How does Maturin manipulate Herapath?

10. Maturin begins to mention Herapath to Wogan as a unique case--she claims an interest because she had seen his fall. It seems simple enough to Maturin, and soon enough he discusses Herapath with Wogan freely. All along, the three maintain their innocence. What do you think it means when Maturin thinks Wogan's explanation is dimple enough?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sailors are notoriously superstitious. Even Aubrey, though very bright in many ways, is somewhat superstitious, a trait common to many sailors. Discuss the following:

1. What is superstition? Can you name a few common superstitions? Do any of them seem to have any validity in logic?

2. Why do you think sailors have the reputation for being superstitious? Do you think it is true? What superstitions are mentioned in Desolation Island?

3. What are some of the superstitions you are familiar with that sailors seem to believe? Do you believe any of them? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast Aubrey's seamanship with that of Grant.

2. Thoroughly analyze the character of Mrs. Wogan, discussing both her strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot. .

3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Jack Aubrey, discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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