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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 is Bush injured?

2. How old is Brown?

3. Who does the Count introduce?

4. What does the Spanish warden demand?

5. What is the year?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Hornblower and Brown implement an escape?

2. In what kind of physical shape is Bush?

3. 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?

4. What does Hornblower awaken to a few days after his capture? How does he respond? What does he see? What do you think he might have felt when he first saw the fight?

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

6. What happens to the coach that stops travel for a while?

7. How did Hornblower end up where he is at the beginning of the novel?

8. What is Hornblower told will be done with him? How would you feel if you were him?

9. 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?

10. How does the Spanish warden help Hornblower? Why do you think he would do that? Do you think that makes him a traitor to his country?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Along with treason, another detestable action is spying. Spies are not considered in the same vein as soldiers in uniform and are not protected by the customs and regulations that govern the treatment of soldiers who are in uniform when captured. Discuss one of the following:

1. Why do you think spies are not accorded any rights under many countries' laws and/or customs?

2. Even though all countries abhor spies, often even their own, they still spy, and men and women are still willing to be spies. Discuss why you think this is so.

3. Research and analyze the history of spying in either England, the United States or Russa.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Surprisingly, the Count announces that Hornblower will remain safe as his guest--he will not summon the authorities. The Count even offers Hornblower a loaded pair of pistols for safety, but Hornblower declines the generous offer. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the character of the Count and evaluate why you think he is so trusting.

2. The trust offered by the Count seems to trickle down to his servants and family. Discuss how the Count's interaction with his servants engender trust and loyalty from them.

3. Do you think familiarity breeds contempt or good will; i.e., will a wealthy person who is friendly and treats his staff well receive better service than one who is imperious and aloof? Discuss your stance.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,192 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample