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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 resume on board the ship?

2. What does the Gypsy woman name her daughter?

3. Why are the wind and waves so heavy where Leopard is located?

4. What is the worst wound Aubrey has received?

5. Why does Putnam need Maturin's help?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. 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?

9. La Fayette has a forge but Aubrey cannot in good conscience request a favor--England and America are nearly at war. Likewise, Putnam, La Fayette's master, will not request favors from Aubrey. Do you think it is strange that on an island in the middle of nowhere a ship's captain wouldn't be bound by some rule of hospitality? Why or why not?

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

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 2

Patrick O'Brian tries as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think this book qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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