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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 does Hornblower figure the voyage will take?

2. Why is Hornblower self-conscious?

3. Where does the coach slide?

4. Why should Hornblower not worry about losing his ship?

5. What happens when Hornblower withdraws the final ligature from Bush's stump?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what kind of physical shape is Bush?

2. What do you think of the fact that of all the houses the men could have gone they happen to find one with occupants sympathetic to them?

3. How do Hornblower and Brown implement an escape?

4. What happens that stops the escapees' trip down the river?

5. What does Hornblower do after the men are dried and clothed and Bush is put to bed? What does the Count tell Hornblower?

6. How does the Spanish surgeon feel about Bush being transported and what does he do to mitigate the possible repercussions to Bush? What does this say about the surgeon's character?

7. How do the Spanish treat Hornblower and what can he see from where he is? What do you think it says about his character that they would do this?

8. Where and when is Hornblower when the book opens?

9. Who is the owner of the house where the escapees knock to ask for aid? How does he treat the prisoners initially?

10. Why might Marie be a better match in some ways for Hornblower than his wife or the Admiral's wife?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much attention is given to the treatment of battle wounds, particularly that of Bush's amputated foot. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the medical remedies used in FLYING COLOURS to that which would be done in our modern world.

2. Many wars are partially, if not completely, determined by factors other than the actual fighting. One of those factors is disease. Research and discuss how epidemics/pandemics have influenced the outcome of three different wars throughout history.

3. Discuss why men died so readily of wounds that would be easily treated today.

Essay Topic 2

Hornblower is an officer and a gentleman and is therefore accorded more respect and trust even in enemy territory than the common sailor. Discuss the following:

1. Does it seem likely that officers are usually more respectable than enlisted men back then? What about today? Why or why not.

2. Hornblower has an adulterous affair with the daughter-in-law of his host and often thinks of Lady Barbara Leighton and how much he would also like to be involved with her. Do you think this is how an officer and gentleman comports himself? Why or why not.

3. In the present military in the United States, both officers and enlisted can be held for court martial for adultery or having sexual relations with someone of inferior rank. Why do you think this is so? Do you agree with the policy?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 4, Brown sits down to dinner for the first time in his life at a table with china and silverware. Brown is entirely self-conscious and manages to eat dinner only with difficulty. Discuss one of the following:

1. How do the divisions of class tend to make divisions among men? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a class-based society?

2. In the English military of that era, nobles and gentlemen generally were the officers and very few of the working or peasant class could cross the line into officer territory. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?

3. Do you think there is a class system in the United States? Does it carry over to the military? Why or why not? (Some research may be required.)

(see the answer keys)

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