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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. About what does Hornblower fret when in Rosas?

2. To whom is Marie married?

3. How does Hornblower try to save Bush from execution?

4. How many French vessels does Hornblower destroy or incapacitate?

5. How is Bush injured?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Spanish surgeon feel about Bush being transported and what does he do to mitigate the possible repercussions to Bush? What does this say about the surgeon's character?

2. How does Hornblower appeal to Caillard's humanity and what is Caillard's response?

3. What seems to be one of Hornblowers primary emotional states? What does he think when he reviews his actions which led to his imprisonment?

4. What do you think of the fact that of all the houses the men could have gone they happen to find one with occupants sympathetic to them?

5. How does Hornblower decide who will travel to Paris with him? Do you think it was a good choice?

6. What does Hornblower awaken to a few days after his capture? How does he respond? What does he see? What do you think he might have felt when he first saw the fight?

7. In what kind of physical shape is Bush?

8. How does Hornblower's opinion of Marie's appearance change as he stays in the house? What might this say about appearances in general?

9. What happens to Bush as the travel to Paris continues? Do you think people in that era were tougher than those today?

10. What does the French innkeeper do for the English prisoners before they leave? What thoughts does Hornblower mull as they travel in the coach?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Treason then, as now, is considered one of the most heinous crimes a citizen can commit and is often punishable by death. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think treason is considered to be so detestable than as now?

2. Do you think the crime of treason is always bad enough to warrant a death sentence? Sometimes? Never?

3. Do you think the Count de Graçay is committing treason by providing sanctuary for Hornblower, Bush and Brown? Explain your rationale.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 4, Brown sits down to dinner for the first time in his life at a table with china and silverware. Brown is entirely self-conscious and manages to eat dinner only with difficulty. Discuss one of the following:

1. How do the divisions of class tend to make divisions among men? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a class-based society?

2. In the English military of that era, nobles and gentlemen generally were the officers and very few of the working or peasant class could cross the line into officer territory. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?

3. Do you think there is a class system in the United States? Does it carry over to the military? Why or why not? (Some research may be required.)

Essay Topic 3

Forester has tried 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.

(see the answer keys)

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