2. 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?

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

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

5. Describe Ned Johnson.

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter 4, Hornblower's wife, Barbara, inform Hornblower that Ramsbottom has made a big splash in the English social scene and that the man is a millionaire. It is the first time Hornblower has read the word as being attached to an individual, and he finds it distasteful in that context. Discuss one of the following:

1. Considering that Ramsbottom is labeled a millionaire in the early 1800s, he must be a man of considerable wealth, probably akin to a billionaire today. Why do you think he chooses to risk his life (which is still fairly young) on helping Bolívar towards liberation for Venezuela? Do you think his actions are admirable or foolish? Or both?

2. Ramsbottom could be labeled a filibuster or freebooter. Research that term as used in that era and define it, then answer the following questions: What do you think are the motives of most filibusters or freebooters? How do you think they have contributed to the instability of many governments? Do you think this type of person still works behind the scenes in unstable regions? Why or why not?

3. Ramsbottom seems unconcerned about his grave wound and exuberantly follows Bolívar's army. Do you think Ramsbottom is so passionate about freeing the Venezuelans from Spanish rule that he is not thinking clearly? Do you think many fanatics who do things despite huge odds or grave physical wounds are unbalanced? What makes a fanatic?

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

During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, etc...the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a "prize" policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

4. Do you think the per head prize money for slave vessels help contribute to the ending of slavery? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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