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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. Who is Diana Villiers?

2. What does Maturin write about Wogan?

3. What did Villiers leave Maturin?

4. How did the prisoners' quarters appear after the storm?

5. What does Maturin notice about the rats on board the ship?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

4. Why is Maturin called to the Admiralty?

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

6. What does Pullings find after the storm?

7. Why has Villiers left her home?

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

9. What is Aubrey doing at the beginning of the novel?

10. What is Sophie doing about Aubrey's excesses?

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

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in Desolation Island.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles described in the novel with one from WWII.

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