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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 organize after the storm?

2. What kind of storm does Aubrey run into at the start of his voyage?

3. How did the prisoners feel during the storm?

4. What was Aubrey trying to avoid by going north and northwest?

5. How did the prisoners' quarters appear after the storm?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Sophie doing about Aubrey's excesses?

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

3. Maturin begins to mention Herapath to Wogan as a unique case--she claims an interest because she had seen his fall. It seems simple enough to Maturin, and soon enough he discusses Herapath with Wogan freely. All along, the three maintain their innocence. What do you think it means when Maturin thinks Wogan's explanation is dimple enough?

4. What kind of storm does Aubrey hit when he first sails and what does he do about it?

5. Grant subtly but constantly criticizes Aubrey's handling of the ship--an irritating trait in any man but particularly when directed at such an obvious nautical genius as Aubrey. Why do you think Grant continues to criticize a captain who is obviously a superior seaman?

6. Who is Louisa Wogan and what happened to her?

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

8. Who does Aubrey encounter as they leave Brazil and what does he find out?

9. What does Maturin find at Villiers' apartments?

10. What does Maturin receive from Herapath twice and what does he find out?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast Aubrey's seamanship with that of Grant.

2. Thoroughly analyze the character of Mrs. Wogan, discussing both her strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot. .

3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Jack Aubrey, discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in Desolation Island.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles described in the novel with one from WWII.

(see the answer keys)

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