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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 did Hornblower feel bred mutiny?

2. Hornblower had been how many years at sea?

3. What had long been a dream of the British government?

4. How many decks did the Spanish ship Natividad have?

5. Who was the first member of the crew to be publicly flogged?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What was Captain Hornblower ordered to do by the British admiralty?

3. Describe Captain Hornblower's appearance?

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

5. What appears on the beach the morning after Hornblower's visit to El Supremo's palace?

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

8. 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?

9. What does Hornblower do with the captured officers and crew of Natividad?

10. What was weighing heavily on Captain Hornblower's mind after 7 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 trip to the palace of El Supremo. What does he see along the way that disturbs him? Describe the palace and El Supremo's physical appearance.

2) Describe El Supremo's character. In what ways does he exhibit insanity? What does he claim is his ancestry?

3) Who are the "unenlightened?" Why does El Supremo call them that? What is their punishment?

4) Choose one of these three topics and write about it.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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