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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 happens to the searches?

2. About what does Hornblower feel ashamed?

3. How does the fleet commander receive Hornblower?

4. Who is in charge of the fleet the Triumph and Hornblower's ship rejoins?

5. How is Hornblower able to bluster his way onto the cutter he decides to steal?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Hornblower realize about his status should he be caught and how does he view himself in his present situation?

2. How do you think the plan to steal the Witch of Endor could be viewed and why was it an excellent one? Who helped Hornblower and the others with taking her?

3. What characteristics of the three men enhance their disguises?

4. Why does Hornblower discard his disguise so quickly?

5. How are the French responding to the missing men and what finally happens that gives them some hope?

6. How has the relationship between the three men changed since being on board ship?

7. What does Brown do that demonstrates his change in attitude towards Hornblower and how does Hornblower feel about it?

8. What does Hornblower reflect upon about his wife?

9. What is ideal about traveling on a river for escaped prisoners and how might that change?

10. What is a humorous aspect of the river trip having to do with being on fresh water?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several of the "enemy" are kind to Hornblower and his men, starting with the Spanish warden who insists that Hornblower be allowed a steward and who gives Hornblower money for the trip. Additionally, various surgeons and innkeepers along the way offer kindness. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think people who are kind tend to be kind, whether it is an enemy or friend? Why or why not.

2. Is it traitorous to be kind even to the "enemy" as some of the Spaniards are along the way as Hornblower and his men are traveling?

3. How do you think the kindness and maintaining of honor when confronted with the "enemy" in a prisoner-type situation helps when the war is over and those at war attempt to heal the "bad blood" between the nations?

4. Is kindness possible to one's enemy when at war?

Essay Topic 2

Hornblower is an officer and a gentleman and is therefore accorded more respect and trust even in enemy territory than the common sailor. Discuss the following:

1. Does it seem likely that officers are usually more respectable than enlisted men back then? What about today? Why or why not.

2. Hornblower has an adulterous affair with the daughter-in-law of his host and often thinks of Lady Barbara Leighton and how much he would also like to be involved with her. Do you think this is how an officer and gentleman comports himself? Why or why not.

3. In the present military in the United States, both officers and enlisted can be held for court martial for adultery or having sexual relations with someone of inferior rank. Why do you think this is so? Do you agree with the policy?

Essay Topic 3

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, as happens to with the men who capture the Witch of Endor. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a 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?

(see the answer keys)

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