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. What does Hornblower learn about Admiral Leighton?

2. Why are two of the boats delayed at bit?

3. Where is the vessel Hornblower captured going?

4. What delights Hornblower?

5. What are Gien, Sully, Château-Neuf-sur-Loire, Jargeau, Orleans, and Beaugency?

Short Essay Questions

1. How might their escape from the French be viewed and what additional bonus did they bring with their escape?

2. What characteristics of the three men enhance their disguises?

3. What are Chapters 16 and 17 used for in this story?

4. How do you think the plan to steal the Witch of Endor could be viewed and why was it an excellent one? Who helped Hornblower and the others with taking her?

5. What happens as the weeks pass with Bush and how does Brown help him?

6. What happens to Bush upon their return to England and what does Hornblower still fret about?

7. What was a major development with Hornblower's wife and how might that have changed his affair with Marie?

8. What does Hornblower reflect upon about his wife?

9. What do Bush and Brown do to prepare for a spring escape and how does Hornblower feel about it?

10. What does Hornblower realize about his status should he be caught and how does he view himself in his present situation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Though this novel is probably more action driven rather than character driven, obviously there are several characters who make the novel what it is. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast Hornblower to Bush.

2. Compare/contrast Brown to Bush.

3. Compare/contrast Hornblower to Brown.

Essay Topic 3

Hornblower is ordered to engage the French, though he is quite outnumbered and ultimately his ship is captured and 2/3 of his crew are killed or wounded. This is considered an "acceptable loss." Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the Admiral who orders Hornblower to "sacrifice" the Sutherland believes the loss of the ship and many lives is acceptable?

2. Many wars are fought under the assumption of "acceptable losses." Usually it is the common foot soldier who is doing most of the dying. In fact, the term "cannon fodder," is often used to describe infantry who are killed by the hundreds gaining small hills or bits of land, sometimes to lose the same piece of "real estate" several times with continuing loss of life. Is this truly acceptable?

3. Sometimes some will say that wars would be few and far between if those who decided to go to war had to be in the front lines. Do you think that would make a difference?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,085 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample