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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. Where does the coach slide?

2. What does Hornblower see that motivates him to form an escape plan?

3. Why do Hornblower and Brown have to drag the boat free?

4. When do the men escape?

5. What does the doctor do to help Bush?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

3. How do Hornblower and Brown implement an escape?

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

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

6. In what kind of physical shape is Bush?

7. 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?

8. 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?

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

10. What happens that slows down the travel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 6, over the next days the travel continues as Bush recovers; Hornblower marvels at Bush's incredible constitution. Discuss one of the following:

1. Why do you think some people survive a physical and/or emotional trauma while others with a similar experience do not?

2. Discuss and analyze the traits that would be most helpful in any severe survival situation. Discuss how each of the three men possess some or all of those traits.

3. Compare/contrast yourself to Bush as far as how you would handle the type of situation he is in up through the time of his being granted command of the Witch of Endor.

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

Several of the "enemy" are kind to Hornblower and his men, starting with the Spanish warden who insists that Hornblower be allowed a steward and who gives Hornblower money for the trip. Additionally, various surgeons and innkeepers along the way offer kindness. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think people who are kind tend to be kind, whether it is an enemy or friend? Why or why not.

2. Is it traitorous to be kind even to the "enemy" as some of the Spaniards are along the way as Hornblower and his men are traveling?

3. How do you think the kindness and maintaining of honor when confronted with the "enemy" in a prisoner-type situation helps when the war is over and those at war attempt to heal the "bad blood" between the nations?

4. Is kindness possible to one's enemy when at war?

(see the answer keys)

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