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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 Wogan kill in her lodgings?

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

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

4. What does Maturin write about Wogan?

5. To where has Villiers fled?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. What does the ship enter farther north than usual and what happens when it is there?

3. What does Maturin find at Villiers' apartments?

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

5. How does Maturin manipulate Herapath?

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

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

8. Where do Maturin and Aubrey go so Aubrey can play cards and how did it go there for Aubrey?

9. What happens to the convalescents on the ship?

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 British Navy in this era is very flexible in letting their Captains and other officers use their own style of command. Discuss the following:

1. Whose command style seems most effective? Why? Give examples.

2. Whose command style seems least effective? Why? Give examples.

3. Sometimes the crew will mutineer against a tyrannical Captain: Is mutiny ever justifiable? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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