3. 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?

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

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

6. How does the author attempt to make Aubrey appear?

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. What does Aubrey have done to his cabin and why?

9. 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.

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

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

Sailors are notoriously superstitious. Even Aubrey, though very bright in many ways, is somewhat superstitious, a trait common to many sailors. Discuss the following:

1. What is superstition? Can you name a few common superstitions? Do any of them seem to have any validity in logic?

2. Why do you think sailors have the reputation for being superstitious? Do you think it is true? What superstitions are mentioned in Desolation Island?

3. What are some of the superstitions you are familiar with that sailors seem to believe? Do you believe any of them? Why or why not?