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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 notice about the Dutch captain when the ship closes in?

2. What does the part of the crew that takes the boats and leave the ship take with them?

3. What does the crew believe is causing the Dutch ship's ability to stay with Leopard?

4. What does Maturin resume on board the ship?

5. What amazes Aubrey about the Dutch captain?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the superstitious crew say about Larkin and about the Dutch ship?

2. While the crew works, Maturin visits a small island in the bay--it is so encumbered of strange life that Maturin christens it Paradise. Why do you think Maturin named the island Paradise considering it is near Antarctica and is probably pretty cold?

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 does the fact that the Waakzaamheid has found the Leopard mean as far as the Dutch captain goes?

5. What does the crew do after being safely anchored and what repair is impossible and why?

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

7. La Fayette has a forge but Aubrey cannot in good conscience request a favor--England and America are nearly at war. Explain why Aubrey's decision to not ask for help was irresponsible to his crew and ship.

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

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

10. Describe Grant's capabilities during combat and during regular ship operations.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Readers learn that Aubrey's ship surgeon, Maturin, is heavily addicted to opium. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the use of opium is not regulated as it is today?

2. Do you think it is a more or less enlightened society that regulates personal drug use? Explain.

3. Do you think the execution of Maturin's duties are compromised by his frequent use of opium? Why or why not? Give examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Though the author O'Brian may or may not have such personal views on women, the way women are characterized in his naval series is often less than complimentary. Discuss one of the following:

1. Present and analyze the treatment of women in Desolation Island.

2. O'Brian is trying to be historically accurate, so is his treatment of women in his book(s) justified?

3. Is there any way O'Brian could have presented women in a more positive light and still stayed historically accurate? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

An American spy, Mrs. Wogan will accompany Maturin and Aubrey on the Leopard. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think a female American is a spy for the British?

2. Compare the difference between how Maturin and Aubrey treat Mrs. Wogan.

3. Do you think it was solely for professional reasons that Maturin in the auspices of the ship's surgeon, examines Mrs. Wogan?

4. In that era, most sailors believe woman should not be on a ship and they brought bad luck. Do you think any of that attitude is still present in the seagoing services (US Navy, US Coast Guard and Merchant Marines). This may require some research.

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