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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 explain to Maturin at dinner?

2. What type of plant on Desolation Island does Maturin think will be good for the crew?

3. Why are the wind and waves so heavy where Leopard is located?

4. What does Maturin lead Herapath to believe?

5. How is Desolation Island marked on the charts?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Aubrey allow Grant and others to leave the ship?

2. Of particular interest is the technical discussion concerning scurvy and Maturin's rather ridiculous speech regarding the desirability of flatulence. Indeed, the medical practices of the time are compelling and, one leaves one wondering about their efficacy. What do you think the mortality rate for medical treatment in those times might be? Explain your answer.

3. The novel thus ends with Leopard ready to sail and Maturin finally freed of his weighty intelligence responsibilities. Do you think this ending was complete?

4. What do you think Herapath's history with Wogan says about his character?

5. Why do you think Maturin planted false information with Wogan?

6. Why is Leopard in danger in Chapter 8 and how much danger is there?

7. La Fayette has a forge but Aubrey cannot in good conscience request a favor--England and America are nearly at war. Likewise, Putnam, La Fayette's master, will not request favors from Aubrey. Do you think it is strange that on an island in the middle of nowhere a ship's captain wouldn't be bound by some rule of hospitality? Why or why not?

8. Why does Aubrey decide Cape Town is not a good destination?

9. Why does Aubrey think the Dutch captain keeps pursuing Leopard? Is this supposition of his confirmed?

10. How does Aubrey win the battle with the Dutch ship?

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

Patrick O'Brian tries as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think this book qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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