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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. How long after sighting the Horn had Hornblower brought Lydia to her destination?

2. What does Captain Hornblower do at the same time every morning?

3. With what country had Spain recently sided against England?

4. How did the British Admiralty want to use the Spanish possessions?

5. When does the prosperous period of Hornblower's voyage conclude?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the stragegy that El Supremo lays out to Hornblower about conquest?

2. Describe Alvarado whom Hornblower was ordered to help in a rebellion against Spain?

3. What does Hornblower do when he is told Natividad is approaching?

4. What does Hornblower see on his way to El Supremo's palace?

5. Hornblower is not close to any of the crew under him and neither is El Supremo close to his men. What are some of the differences between Hornblower's relationship with his men and the behavior El Supremo exhbits toward his men?

6. Why do you think it was a wise decision of Hornblower not to get familiar with his lieutenants and to remain aloof and close-mouthed?

7. How did Horatio Hornblower prove himself a good captain during the section "The Prosperous Voyage"?

8. Describe the actual battle that ensues after Lydia takes Navtividad by surprise?

9. Describe Lydia, the ship Hornblower was a captain of.

10. Which supplies was Lydia out of or low on after seven months at sea?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using what you've learned about sailing ships of the early 19th century in this novel, write an essay describing why you would like to take an extended trip on an early 19th century sailing ship. Where would you go? Would you want to be a passenger of a member of the crew?.

Or Write an essay on why you would not like to take a trip on an early 19th century sailing ship? Give your reasons.

Essay Topic 2

1) Describe Hornblower's thoughtful consideration of every aspect of the ships and their crews in his decision about various courses of action. Forester describes these considerations of Hornblower as "tortuous mental calculations."

2)-Describe what Hornblower decides to do when there isn't enough wind to sail near the Natividad for battle.

3) Describe the custom of pressing men into sea duty as crewmen. What types of men were pressed into service? Did they have any background in how to sail a ship? What did Hornblower know had to be done with them?

4) Choose one of the three topics to write on.

Essay Topic 3

1) Describe at least three different kinds of captains mentioned by Bush, Gerard, Hornblower and Crystal.

2) Describe the conversations Hornblower and Lady Barbara have when they chatter about their former lives. What do they mention in those conversations?

3) Describe the conversations Lady Barbara and Hornblower have about books and literature. Mention examples of books or poetry Lady Barbara enjoyed reading and books or poetry Hornblower enjoyed reading.

4) Choose one of the three topics to write on.

(see the answer keys)

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