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

Because this novel centers around life at sea, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s? (Think perhaps about such aspects as speed, pollution, how easily repairs are made, etc.).

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank). This may require some research.

4. Steam engines are just coming into use in this novel. How might they change the way naval battles are fought?

Essay Topic 3

Forester is masterful in his description of battles, storms and life in general in the West Indies in the early 1820s. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze Forester's descriptive passages about life at sea, particularly in times of stormy weather. How does he use descriptions of the five senses to make the reader feel s/he is there? Do you find his descriptions compelling? Seemingly accurate? How would the novel be different if he did not include such descriptive passages?

2. Analyze Forester's descriptive passages about the social structure of the times and discuss what you think it would be like to be a person of wealth and/or privilege such as Hornblower, Ramsbottom, Governor Hooper, Mr. Hough. Contrast that to the lives of those who are in a lower social strata such as Hudnutt, Ned Johnson or one in service to someone of wealth and/or privilege.

3. Describe and analyze Forester's descriptive passages about the topographical setting and the physical descriptions of the peopl. Does Forester do an adequate job of actually making the reader "see" the land/sea where the action is taking place? How about getting a visual image of the characters? How does the descriptions of the setting add to the novel? Do you like having an idea of how a character looks? How would the novel be different without such descriptions?

(see the answer keys)

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