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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 does Hornblower spend his time doing during the next two weeks after the dinner with Ramsbottom?

2. What is the meal like aboard Ramsbottom's vessel?

3. What does Hornblower announce he must do?

4. Who is Ned Johnson?

5. How is Ramsbottom's vessel armed?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where do Hornblower and Spendlove figure they are?

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

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

4. Describe Charles Ramsbottom.

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

6. Who appears at breakfast and how does he get there?

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

8. About what do the men converse while dining on the Bride of Aybados?

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

10. What do the pirates decide to do about the delivery of the letter and how does Hornblower react?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

Loyalty is demonstrated in a number of ways, as is the lack of loyalty. Discuss the following:

1. How do you define loyalty? Is the ability and desire to be loyal an admirable trait in humans? Why or why not? What are the advantages and disadvantages of being loyal to a person? Cause? Country? Idea? What of those who are loyal to something no matter what they learn about that person, thing, ideal, country, etc., in other words, blind loyalty.

2. Discuss and analyze Hornblower's tendency to be loyal. Is it always warranted? Wise? Earned? What situation in Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies show Hornblower's loyalty at its most ideal? Do you feel that Hornblower is a loyal British subject? Friend? Husband? Comrade? Discuss each situation.

3. Cambronne is also loyal to his (former) emperor, Napoleon. Is Cambronne's loyalty wise? Earned? Idealistic? Compare Cambronne's loyalty to Napoleon with some aspect of Hornblower's loyalty.

4. Why do you think Ned Johnson is unable to command any loyalty from the band of men and women he attempts to lead? What could he have done differently to gain their loyalty?

(see the answer keys)

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