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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. Where does the coach slide?

3. When do the men escape?

4. What stands in the way of Hornblower marrying the love of his life?

5. Who is commanding the English fleet that is attacking in the harbor?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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. Why does Colonel Caillard come to Rosas prison? What is Caillard like as a man? How do you think Hornblower felt about the man?

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

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

7. Who does Hornblower think of when he first meets Marie and what might these thoughts foreshadow?

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

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

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

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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