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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. How does Herapath feel when he gets to the top of the ropes?

2. On what vessel had there been a mutiny?

3. To where has Villiers fled?

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

5. Who pursues the Leopard?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

3. Why has Villiers left her home?

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

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

6. How does Maturin manipulate Herapath?

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

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

9. What does Maturin find at Villiers' apartments?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Maturin acts as a covert agent for the Crown and succeeds in planting false intelligence with the American spy, Mrs. Wogan:

1. What sort of covert operations does Maturin undertake? How similar do you think his covert operations are to that of an organization such as the CIA of today?

2. How is Maturin's role as a covert agent play a part in Mrs. Wogan's release?

3. Do you see any conflict of interests between being a doctor and also a covert operator? Why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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