1. Trace and analyze one major theme of Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies. Consider the following: How does one character's actions portray the theme you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme"? If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

2. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies. How does one character's actions portray the themes you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme"? If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

3. What benefit is there in discussing and analyzing the themes of a work of fiction? Do you think most authors consciously develop themes in their works? Why or why not? Can there be accidental themes? What do you think is one possible "accidental" theme in Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies. Which theme in ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES speaks to you the most in your life? Why?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Define irony in literary terms. Discuss the irony of the situation with Hudnutt and Hornblower with Hornblower being musically deaf and asked to judge an issue that has to do with music. What is the irony of Hornblower's name in this situation? Discuss the irony of Hornblower lying to Cambronne about Napoleon's death and then it being true. How does irony add to the enjoyment of reading?

2. Define symbolism in literary terms. Discuss the use of and meaning of the steam engine, the Napoleonic-era uniforms, the bearskin cap, the name of Ramsbottom's boat after renaming it (Desperate) and the seal of office that Ned Johnson requests on the pirates' pardon.

3. Discuss the use of foreshadowing in literature. What is the purpose of foreshadowing? Cite 3 examples of foreshadowing and how it is used to indicate events to come in ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,365 words
(approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page)

View a FREE sample

More summaries and resources for teaching or studying Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies.

View all Lesson Plans available from BookRags.

Copyrights

BookRags