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. Where does Hornblower write a brief letter?

2. What does Johnson want of Hornblower?

3. Where does Hornblower decide to sail?

4. Who arrives after Hornblower?

5. Who calls on Hornblower back on the Clorinda?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where do Hornblower and Spendlove figure they are?

2. What are the implications of the capture of the Helmond?

3. About what do the men converse while dining on the Bride of Aybados?

4. Why is Hornblower summoned by Governor Hooper upon his return from two weeks on the open sea drilling his squadron, and how does Hornblower calm Governor Hooper?

5. Describe Charles Ramsbottom.

6. Describe the dinner aboard the Bride of Abydos and the new "invention" that may revolutionize shipboard fare.

7. What do the pirates decide to do about the delivery of the letter and how does Hornblower react?

8. Describe the area where Hornblower and Spendlove are being held.

9. How does Hornblower manage to avoid a confrontation with Spanish and Dutch officials and where does Hornblower go from Puerto Cabello?

10. Describe the strike on the pirate's redoubt and the outcome.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and Admiral Horatio Hornblower is no exception. Hornblower's legendary power of reasoning is juxtaposed with his nervousness and internalized self-doubt. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze situations when Hornblower demonstrates his prodigious powers of reasoning. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze Hornblower's character flaws, especially his nervousness and self-doubt, offering specific examples of these flaws in your discussion.

3. Discuss how you think Hornblower's admirable traits helped him obtain a high rank in the Navy, and how Hornblower hides his character flaws so they have not impeded his career. Do any of those under his command seem to notice these flaws? Who? How does the reader know this?

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,400 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample