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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 Maturin see medically in the crew?

2. What amazes Aubrey about the Dutch captain?

3. What does Aubrey have his crew practicing extensively?

4. What does Maturin tell Herapath about the La Fayette?

5. What does Maturin resume on board the ship?

Short Essay Questions

1. Grant is finally thrust into the position of leadership he has so long desired. How do you think he felt when he was able to take over the ship's operations?

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

3. Discuss a few of the nautical technical information given in this chapter.

4. From what is the ship saved right after it makes safe harbor at Desolation Island?

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

6. 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?

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

8. Why is the Leopard outclassed by the Waakzaamheid?

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

10. What danger is the Leopard facing after the battle with the Dutch?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Grant takes over for Aubrey and though he is competent, he is unwilling to take advice which results in the Leopard being seriously disabled. Grant and some other officers and seaman take to the lifeboats. Though Aubrey thinks it is not necessary to abandon ship, he allows the men to leave. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think it is wise on the part of Aubrey to allow Grant to captain the ship even though Grant was most senior next to Aubrey? Did Aubrey have a choice?

2. Do you think it is wise of Aubrey to let the men go with the boats and provisions without a fight considering if they were unable to save the Leopard, there were no lifeboats left?

3. What do you think happens to Grant and the others who left in the lifeboats?

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

Maturin finds Aubrey engaged in pursuing get-rich-quick schemes when Maturin visits. Discuss the following:

1. Can someone be an honorable man, which Aubrey is reputed to be, and engage in get-rich-schemes? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think a ship captain of Aubrey's stature and fine reputation has to make money in other ways? Is this right?

3. What do you think would happen to a Captain in the United States Navy today if he were living a life of desolation?

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