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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 Helmond's artillery guns?

2. How does Johnson come across to Hornblower?

3. What is the Helmond?

4. What happens after they ship fires a few more times?

5. Where does Ramsbottom say he is going to sail?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens immediately upon Hornblower's return that is disconcerting to him?

2. What does Hornblower learn on his tour of the Bride of Abydos and what is his reaction?

3. What does Hornblower believe about Lucy Hough and Spendlove, yet what indications are there that Hornblower is incorrect in his observations?

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

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

6. Why does Hornblower write the letter and what demonstrates how little authority Johnson has over the group?

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

8. Who does Hornblower meet ashore at Puerto Cabello and what ensues while Hornblower is ashore?

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

C. S. Forester often uses historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think this book qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

4. Would you enjoy living in this era? Why or why not.

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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