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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. Who has intercepted Villeneuve?

2. Who is Lord Barham?

3. What is Hornblower's opinion about Ireland?

4. What does McCool give Hornblower?

5. Of what are the newspapers critical?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the fight to gain control of the French brig.

2. What is most useful about the document that Hornblower brings to the admiralty?

3. What do the formerly sleeping watch sailors do as Hornblower is contemplating what to do with the ship?

4. What special duty is Hornblower assigned?

5. What are the setting and circumstances at the opening of this short story?

6. What does Hornblower do mostly because he is so tired and what is the response of Marsden?

7. Describe Hornblower's actions up until he meets with Marsden.

8. Why is Hornblower privy to the information passed with the signal flags?

9. How do the Englishmen get over to the French brig?

10. What does Baddlestone suggest and what does Hornblower ultimately have the men do to the French brig?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Meadows and Baddleston. How are they alike? How are they different? Do you think Hornblower is more sympathetic towards one or the other? Why? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Lieutenant Bush to that of Hornblower. How do their personalities/abilities compare? Who seems more likely to climb the ranks within the navy. Why? With whom would you rather work? Be specific and give examples.

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples. (Consider Meadows, Baddlestone, Marsden, Bower, and Claudius in the novel. Consider McCool in Hornblower's Temptation. Consider Brown, Barbara and Napoleon III in The Last Encounter.)

Essay Topic 2

Honor is a very important concept in this book and in the life of those in the upper class during that era. After Hornblower learns of the large amount of cash in McCool's trunk, his sense of honor does not allow him to keep the cash, though no one else knows about it. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of honor in HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS. What do you think Hornblower would tell you is the definition of honor if you ask him? Do you think honor can be restored if it is lost?

2. Respond to the following statement using specific examples from the book and your own experience: Honor is one of the most important character traits for anyone in any social strata. First fully define the concept of honor, then discuss whether you believe the preceding statement is true with specific examples from HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS and other books/films, etc... that you have read or experienced.

3. During the era in which Hornblower lives, men could give their word on the basis of being a gentleman and it is assumed to be true. There was no such concept for a lady or anyone of lower social/economic groups. Fully discuss the implications in a society where only gentlemen are considered trustworthy enough to give their word unquestioned.

Essay Topic 3

Because this novel centers around life at sea, 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 HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s? (Think perhaps about such aspects as speed, pollution, how easily repairs are made, etc...)

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). (This may require some research.)

(see the answer keys)

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