3. If Cambronne is undertaking the mission which Hornblower believes he is doing, why is Hornblower concerned and what does Hornblower determine to do?

4. What does Sharpe tell Hornblower about who has hired the Daring.

5. What is the cargo of the Daring according to the men of the Crab?

6. What has been done while Hornblower was verbally sparring with the captain of the Estrella del Sur?

7. Who commands the Clorinda and what is his financial situation?

8. After a period of introspection, what does Hornblower conclude Cambronne's plans are?

9. What is the ostensible reason Cambronne has hired the Daring, and does Hornblower believe the explanation?

10. Describe the vessel Hornblower's flagship spies.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze one major theme of Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies. Consider the following: How does one character's actions portray the theme you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme"? If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

2. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies. How does one character's actions portray the themes you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme"? If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

3. What benefit is there in discussing and analyzing the themes of a work of fiction? Do you think most authors consciously develop themes in their works? Why or why not? Can there be accidental themes? What do you think is one possible "accidental" theme in Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies. Which theme in ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES speaks to you the most in your life? Why?

Essay Topic 2

When Hornblower returns from captivity from the pirates, not only does the Governor refuse to allow Hornblower to return, he also suggests that Spendlove is expendable. Discuss the following:

1. How much confidence would a leader inspire if the men/women under him/her believes the leader sees them as expendable?

2. What personality traits of Governor Hooper would enable him to just write off the life of another human, particularly one who has served his country honorably?

3. What do you think Hornblower would have done had Spendlove not arrived as Hornblower and the Governor are having breakfast? Explain in detail.

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. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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