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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 Waakzaamheid finally close in on Leopard?

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

3. About what does Babbington warn Grant?

4. What happens to the rudder when they pull away from the iceberg?

5. What does Aubrey think he should do about Waakzaamheid?

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. What does Aubrey decide to do after missing an island on which to land and who does he bring up as a possible reason for pessimism?

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

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

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

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

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

8. 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?

9. 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.

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

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?

Essay Topic 2

Captain Jack Aubrey is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in this book and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Aubrey who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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