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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. Why is Herapath in trouble?

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

3. Where is Captain Aubrey headed?

4. How does Maturin respond that he must be implicated with Villiers?

5. Who is Stephen Maturin?

Short Essay Questions

1. The chapter presents an interesting but routine narrative technique by introducing a letter home from Aubrey followed by a journal entry by Maturin. Both texts flow naturally and are presented in an appropriate voice; they both expose inner thoughts and deep feelings which would ordinarily not come out in common conversation. Explain why you think the author used this technique.

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

3. A somewhat unique connection is forged between Aubrey and Herapath during the rescue-from-drowning scene. Why do you think this connection occurred?

4. Why is Maturin called to the Admiralty?

5. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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. 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 3

The Dutch ship Waakzaamheid is pursing the English vessel Leopard. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the Dutch are after an English Naval vessel? (May require a little research.)

2. Why do you think Aubrey is desolate at the loss of the men on the Dutch ship when the Dutch ship is clearly the aggressor?

3. Many times soldiers and sailors are placed under an incompetent commander or one who does not care about loss of life as long as a goal is obtained. The Dutch commander seems to fall under the second group. What recourse do you think soldiers/sailors have under such circumstances? What recourse should be legislated?

(see the answer keys)

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