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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. How does Ramsbottom appear physically?

2. Who is Johnson sending to the governor?

3. What is the implication of Ramsbottom's actions?

4. What do they have to do when the boat grounds?

5. Why does Hornblower read the letter aloud?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Hornblower's capture and journey to the cliffs.

2. What does Hornblower learn on his tour of the Bride of Abydos and what is his reaction?

3. Describe Charles Ramsbottom.

4. Who does Hornblower meet ashore at Puerto Cabello and what ensues while Hornblower is ashore?

5. What happens immediately upon Hornblower's return that is disconcerting to him?

6. What do the pirates decide to do about the delivery of the letter and how does Hornblower react?

7. Describe the strike on the pirate's redoubt and the outcome.

8. Who appears at breakfast and how does he get there?

9. What does Hornblower do once he reaches Puerto Cabello?

10. Why does Hornblower quickly leave Curaçao and where does he go?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter 4, Hornblower's wife, Barbara, inform Hornblower that Ramsbottom has made a big splash in the English social scene and that the man is a millionaire. It is the first time Hornblower has read the word as being attached to an individual, and he finds it distasteful in that context. Discuss one of the following:

1. Considering that Ramsbottom is labeled a millionaire in the early 1800s, he must be a man of considerable wealth, probably akin to a billionaire today. Why do you think he chooses to risk his life (which is still fairly young) on helping Bolívar towards liberation for Venezuela? Do you think his actions are admirable or foolish? Or both?

2. Ramsbottom could be labeled a filibuster or freebooter. Research that term as used in that era and define it, then answer the following questions: What do you think are the motives of most filibusters or freebooters? How do you think they have contributed to the instability of many governments? Do you think this type of person still works behind the scenes in unstable regions? Why or why not?

3. Ramsbottom seems unconcerned about his grave wound and exuberantly follows Bolívar's army. Do you think Ramsbottom is so passionate about freeing the Venezuelans from Spanish rule that he is not thinking clearly? Do you think many fanatics who do things despite huge odds or grave physical wounds are unbalanced? What makes a fanatic?

Essay Topic 2

During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, etc...the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a "prize" policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

4. Do you think the per head prize money for slave vessels help contribute to the ending of slavery? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Though Captain Fell believes he has lost the opportunity to capture the slave ship Estrella del Sur, Hornblower believes otherwise and concots a plan and then orders his secretary Spendlove to suggests the plan to Fell as if it were Spendlove's own idea. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Hornblower has Spendlove suggest the plan? (Consider that this is Fell's ship though Hornblower, who outranks Fell is aboard using the ship as his flagship.)

2. What does it say about Hornblower as a leader to get the plan to Fell in the way he does rather than telling Fell the plan himself?

3. Would you consider Hornblower a good leader? Why? Cite examples.

4. How would you characterize Captain Fell as a leader? Use examples to support your statements. Do you think it is wise of Hornblower to help Fell stay in command even though Hornblower believes Fell's abilities as a ship captain are lacking?

(see the answer keys)

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