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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. Where does Hornblower direct the Crab to sail?

2. Why is Fell always poor?

3. Of what does Cambronne's cargo consist?

4. How do Cambronne's men receive Hornblower's news?

5. How might the political situation between England and the United States be described?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hornblower discreetly inform Fell of a possible plan to capture the Estrella del Sur and what is Fell's reaction?

2. Describe Fell's decision regarding the Estrella del Sur and the result of the decision.

3. What does the governor warn Hornblower about, and how does Hornblower's facile political manipulations set up the captain of the Estrella del Sur?

4. What does Hornblower tell Cambronne when Hornblower boards the Daring?

5. Where has Cambronne actually gone and what prevents Hornblower from following him immediately?

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

7. Describe the vessel Hornblower's flagship spies.

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

9. What vessel has Hornblower made his flagship in this chapter and what is the vessel doing?

10. Who does Rear Admiral Hornblower talk with and what are the main topics of discussion?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The plot of Chapter 4 relies heavily upon the regional geopolitical situation existent during the early 1820s in the West Indies. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and describe the geopolitical situation during the early 1820s in the West Indies. What countries have a political interest in the area? Which countries have colonies in the area? Who is aligned with each other? What tensions are present?

2. Research, describe and analyze the presence of Simón Bolívar in Venezuela during the early 1820s. How does he help bring about Venezuela's independence from Spain? Does his cause seem just? How does he influence the obtaining of independence of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia? How is he viewed today in those countries?

3. Knowing Hornblower's position as an English admiral, how do you think he viewed someone such as Simón Bolívar? What political stand does England take during this time in the West Indies? Is Hornblower likely to have contributed to England maintaining their power in the West Indies? How?

Essay Topic 2

Admiral Hornblower is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in this book and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't always succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Hornblower who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

C. S. Forester often uses 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.

4. Would you enjoy living in this era? Why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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