Devoted to Duty

Hornblower, by any standard the dominant character in the narrative, is entirely devoted to his duty as a naval combatant and officer of the Royal navy. He unflinchingly accepts all hardships and difficulties associated with pursuing his duty to King and country. Hornblower is unfailing in wresting the last vestige of success from any position, however untenable. So dedicated is he to the concept of duty that he accepts harsh discipline and widespread privation—things to which he is morally opposed—as necessary in the pursuit of success. Hornblower also projects his profound sense of duty onto his subordinates and expects them to carry the weight of duty with enthusiasm and alacrity. Further, he naturally supposes his superiors to possess the same vigilant attachment to duty as he does.

This theme is echoed by the other major characters in the novel, as well as...