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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. To whom is Marie married?

2. Who comes to the Count's residence?

3. What does Hornblower announce as he knocks on the door?

4. How does Hornblower try to save Bush from execution?

5. Why is the Count opposed to the current administration?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

4. 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?

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

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

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

8. What happens that slows down the travel?

9. What are mostly in Hornblower's thoughts as he waits his future?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Caillard, like the tyrant Napoleon, denigrates his social and military inferiors and cares little or nothing for the welfare of those under his supervision. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze Caillard as a person and military officer throughout the story.

2. Discuss what you believe are ten of the most important traits of an officer and which of these Hornblower seems to possess.

3. How important do you think it is to the winning of a war to have men (or women) who can command the respect and loyalty of their troops? Explain fully.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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