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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 have rigged to help steer the ship?

2. For what does Aubrey prepare the crew?

3. What do Maturin and Herapath do once late into the night?

4. How does Herapath feel when doing what Wogan wants?

5. What does Maturin think about Aubrey's wounds?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Leopard end up too far south?

3. 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.

4. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

10. 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.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Dutch ship Waakzaamheid is pursing the English vessel Leopard. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the Dutch are after an English Naval vessel? (May require a little research.)

2. Why do you think Aubrey is desolate at the loss of the men on the Dutch ship when the Dutch ship is clearly the aggressor?

3. Many times soldiers and sailors are placed under an incompetent commander or one who does not care about loss of life as long as a goal is obtained. The Dutch commander seems to fall under the second group. What recourse do you think soldiers/sailors have under such circumstances? What recourse should be legislated?

Essay Topic 2

Desolation Island is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following?

1. What is one advantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What is a disadvantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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