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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. What happens to the pintle?

2. How does Hornblower see his future?

3. What was the one thing Hornblower had not planned upon?

4. Why is Fell always poor?

5. Who follows the Estrella out of port?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. How does Hornblower encounter the Estrella del Sur's captain and what does Hornblower do?

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Cambronne and Ramsbottom. How are both idealists? Is there a flaw in each of theirs idealism? Is either man's cause more worthy than the other? Do you think Hornblower is more sympathetic towards the cause of one of the men compared to the other? Why? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Governor Hooper and Cloudesley Sharpe. Compare the physical description of the two and how the physical description gives some clue as to their personalities. Who seems more reliable? Who seems to take his responsibilities more seriously? With whom would you rather work? Be specific and give examples.

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples. (Consider Fell, Mr. Hough, Lucy Hough, Spendlove, Ned Johnson, Hudnutt, Lady Barbara Hornblower, and Governor Hooper as secondary characters for the purpose of this essay topic.)

Essay Topic 2

Honor is a very important concept in this book and in the life of those in the upper class during that era. After Hornblower gives his word to Cambronne about Napoleon's death, Hornblower is beset with guilt and the agony of knowing he has besmirched his honor. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of honor in Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies. What do you think Admiral Hornblower would tell you is the definition of honor if you ask him? Do you think honor can be restored if it is lost? Does Hornblower lose his honor in the lie he tells to Cambronne? Should he?

2. Respond to the following statement using specific examples from the book and your own experience: Honor is one of the most important character traits for anyone in any social strata. First fully define the concept of honor, then discuss whether you believe the preceding statement is true with specific examples from Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies and other books/films, etc. that you have read or experienced.

3. During the era in which Hornblower lives, men could give their word on the basis of being a gentleman and it is assumed to be true. There was no such concept for a lady or anyone of lower social/economic groups. Fully discuss the implications in a society where only gentlemen are considered trustworthy enough to give their word unquestioned.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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