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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. Who shares the interviewer's lack of concern for the welfare of those under his supervision?

2. Why is Hornblower self-conscious?

3. Why is Hornblower thrown into the water?

4. At what does Hornblower marvel?

5. What is Brown doing for the first time in his life?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Hornblower decide who will travel to Paris with him? Do you think it was a good choice?

3. What does Hornblower say is the reason Bush should not be executed and what is Caillard's response? What does the response say to you about his character?

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

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

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

7. How does Hornblower feel when preparing for bed with the other prisoners? How does he feel about his pending execution? Do you think he is a coward that he worries about his possible reaction at the time of the execution?

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

9. What happens to Bush as the travel to Paris continues? Do you think people in that era were tougher than those today?

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

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 2

Most of the entire series of novels concerning Captain Horatio Hornblower takes place during the Napoleonic Wars; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of this book and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the naval aspect of the Napoleonic Wars between Britain and France.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British navy during either WWI or WWII.

4. Write an expository essay on how the Napoleonic War affects the social culture of one of the following countries: Britian, France, or Spain.

Essay Topic 3

Treason then, as now, is considered one of the most heinous crimes a citizen can commit and is often punishable by death. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think treason is considered to be so detestable than as now?

2. Do you think the crime of treason is always bad enough to warrant a death sentence? Sometimes? Never?

3. Do you think the Count de Graçay is committing treason by providing sanctuary for Hornblower, Bush and Brown? Explain your rationale.

(see the answer keys)

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