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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What is the political situation at San Juan and how does this prevent any further action against the Estrella del Sur?

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

10. Describe the vessel Hornblower's flagship spies.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hornblower and Spendlove are kidnapped by a ragtag group of former pirates in Chapter 3. Discuss the following:

1. What does it say about this band of men and women who seem to believe that what Hornblower reads aloud as far as what he has written is true? Do you think that those who cannot read might think those who can are more honorable or would not write something down different from what they say is written down? Do you think this band feel some inherent trust towards Hornblower?

2. Why do you think Ned is serving as the leader? If he is the leader, what sort of people must his followers be? Is it leadership by acclaim or default? Which type of leadership would be more effective?

3. How do you think the pirates feel when suddenly they no longer have the upper hand and are being bombarded by light mortar? Do you think they feel Hornblower betrays them? Why or why not?

4. When the few surviving pirates are captured, they are eventually hanged. How would they be treated in the justice system of the United States today? Which system seems more fair--the one in which Hornblower operates or today in the United States?

Essay Topic 2

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 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)

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