View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the Count live in London?

2. What can Hornblower see from his daily walks?

3. How does Hornblower's interviewer act?

4. How does escape by river enhance their chance of success?

5. Why are they taken there?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. What does Hornblower think about when told Admiral Leighton might die? Do you think his thoughts make him less that honorable?

3. What seems to be one of Hornblowers primary emotional states? What does he think when he reviews his actions which led to his imprisonment?

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

5. How does Hornblower appeal to Caillard's humanity and what is Caillard's response?

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

7. What happens in the first few hours after their escape? Why is the river being swift to their advantage?

8. In what kind of physical shape is Bush?

9. How does Hornblower's opinion of Marie's appearance change as he stays in the house? What might this say about appearances in general?

10. In what shape is Bush at the beginning of Chapter 5? What does the doctor tell Caillard? What does Hornblower say?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At sea, the commander of a vessel is "God," and failure to obey the Captain's orders can subject one to court martial and even execution. Discuss the following:

1. Should Bush be held accountable for the crime of piracy when he was merely following Hornblower's orders?

2. Why do you think mutiny on a ship is punishable by death?

3. Is there ever a justifiable reason for a crew to mutiny?

Essay Topic 2

In addition to understanding the war in which Forester's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in FLYING COLOURS.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles described in the novel with one from WWII.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,182 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample