View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Cambronne bewail?

2. Where does Hornblower attend a gala?

3. Upon whom does Hornblower decide to keep a close watch?

4. Who follows the Estrella out of port?

5. Who does Hornblower congratulate on the speed of his ship?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Fell and Hornblower differ on whether the Estrella's capture is still possible and why would that be so devastating to Fell? What does Hornblower decide to do?

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

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

5. How large is the fleet Rear Admiral Hornblower commands and why is his flagship one of the lesser vessels?

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

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

8. What would enable Fell to profit by the capture of the Estrella del Sur and by how much would he profit?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies

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.

4. Steam engines are just coming into use in this novel. How might they change the way naval battles are fought?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Hornblower is a man who, for the most part, "plays by the book." Several of the men Hornblower encounters during the course of Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies do not play by the book. Discuss the following:

1. Cambronne seeks to liberate Napoleon, which would obviously plunge Europe into another round of war. Is Cambronne an admirable character? Do you think Hornblower admires him? Finds him despicable? A combination of both? What do you think of Cambronne's plans?

2. Ramsbottom also does not play by the rules. How do you think Hornblower views Ramsbottom's actions? Do you think Hornblower wishes he had more passion for something as Ramsbottom does? Is passion for a cause more common in younger men/women than those of Hornblower's age? Why or why not.

3. Hornblower "plays by the book" exactly in the case of Hudnutt and is willing to allow a rather simple-minded young man be hanged over a minor offense because discipline must be maintained. Do you think Hornblower should play by the book in this case? Do you think he knows that his wife is taking care of the matter and thus stays out of it? Whose actions are more admirable in this instance: Barbara's or Hornblower's?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,225 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample