View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does the crew act towards Wogan?

3. What does Aubrey have his crew practicing extensively?

4. What does Aubrey have the crew doing at the end of Chapter 8?

5. What does Maturin decide about Wogan and Herapath?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the Leopard outclassed by the Waakzaamheid?

2. 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.

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

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

5. How does Aubrey feel when the Dutch ship sinks?

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

7. 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?

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

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most of the entire series of novels concerning Captain Jack Aubrey takes place during the Napoleonic Wars; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of this book and others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the naval aspect of the Napoleonic Wars between Britain and France.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British navy during either WWI or WWII.

4. Write an expository essay on how the Napoleonic War affects the social culture of one of the following countries: Britain, France, or Spain.

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)

This section contains 846 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample