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

In chapter 4, Hornblower's wife, Barbara, inform Hornblower that Ramsbottom has made a big splash in the English social scene and that the man is a millionaire. It is the first time Hornblower has read the word as being attached to an individual, and he finds it distasteful in that context. Discuss one of the following:

1. Considering that Ramsbottom is labeled a millionaire in the early 1800s, he must be a man of considerable wealth, probably akin to a billionaire today. Why do you think he chooses to risk his life (which is still fairly young) on helping Bolívar towards liberation for Venezuela? Do you think his actions are admirable or foolish? Or both?

2. Ramsbottom could be labeled a filibuster or freebooter. Research that term as used in that era and define it, then answer the following questions: What do you think are the motives of most filibusters or freebooters? How do you think they have contributed to the instability of many governments? Do you think this type of person still works behind the scenes in unstable regions? Why or why not?

3. Ramsbottom seems unconcerned about his grave wound and exuberantly follows Bolívar's army. Do you think Ramsbottom is so passionate about freeing the Venezuelans from Spanish rule that he is not thinking clearly? Do you think many fanatics who do things despite huge odds or grave physical wounds are unbalanced? What makes a fanatic?

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)

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