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. What does Hornblower announce he must do?

2. Who does Hooper consider expendable?

3. Who is Ned Johnson?

4. How does Lucy Hough greet Hornblower?

5. What do Hornblower and Ramsbottom spend several evenings doing?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Hornblower learn from the Dutch and Spanish ministers with whom he converses?

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

5. How do Hornblower and the governor disagree and what does Hornblower do about it for the moment?

6. Who has kidnapped Hornblower and Spendlove and what are the demands?

7. Describe Hornblower's capture and journey to the cliffs.

8. What does Hornblower do once he reaches Puerto Cabello?

9. What does Hornblower do to keep the various authorities in the area from being upset at Hornblower and the English?

10. Where do Hornblower and Spendlove figure they are?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Though Captain Fell believes he has lost the opportunity to capture the slave ship Estrella del Sur, Hornblower believes otherwise and concots a plan and then orders his secretary Spendlove to suggests the plan to Fell as if it were Spendlove's own idea. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Hornblower has Spendlove suggest the plan? (Consider that this is Fell's ship though Hornblower, who outranks Fell is aboard using the ship as his flagship.)

2. What does it say about Hornblower as a leader to get the plan to Fell in the way he does rather than telling Fell the plan himself?

3. Would you consider Hornblower a good leader? Why? Cite examples.

4. How would you characterize Captain Fell as a leader? Use examples to support your statements. Do you think it is wise of Hornblower to help Fell stay in command even though Hornblower believes Fell's abilities as a ship captain are lacking?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,383 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample