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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 is a fourth-rate ship-of-the-line with a tarnished history?

2. Who is Sophie?

3. What interrupts the daily routine on the ship Saturday?

4. What is one purpose of Aubrey's trip?

5. How many people recover from the illness but are too weak to work?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Pullings find after the storm?

2. Why is Maturin called to the Admiralty?

3. With whom is Maturin enamored and how is that going for him?

4. How does Maturin manipulate Herapath?

5. What happens after the ship is put in order from the storm and what does Maturin discover?

6. What happens to the convalescents on the ship?

7. Who is Lieutenant Grant and what is Aubrey's problem with him?

8. Who comes to call on Maturin after he leaves the Admiralty and what does he say?

9. Why has Villiers left her home?

10. What does Maturin find at Villiers' apartments?

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

Much attention is given to the treatment of both wounds and illnesses by Maturin. Maturin seems far more advanced than the typical doctor of that era. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the medical remedies Maturin uses in Desolation Island to that which would be done in our modern world.

2. Many wars are partially, if not completely, determined by factors other than the actual fighting. One of those factors is disease. Research and discuss how epidemics/pandemics have influenced the outcome of three different wars throughout history.

3. Discuss some of the medical remedies Maturin performs/uses that were probably not used in that era.

Essay Topic 3

Maturin acts as a covert agent for the Crown and succeeds in planting false intelligence with the American spy, Mrs. Wogan:

1. What sort of covert operations does Maturin undertake? How similar do you think his covert operations are to that of an organization such as the CIA of today?

2. How is Maturin's role as a covert agent play a part in Mrs. Wogan's release?

3. Do you see any conflict of interests between being a doctor and also a covert operator? Why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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