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 arrives over the next few days?

2. What does the fleet commander announce concerning Bush?

3. Why do the men have to stay inside?

4. What does Bush have great difficulty doing?

5. Of what does the fleet commander assure Hornblower?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How has the relationship between the three men changed since being on board ship?

4. How might Hornblower's reaction to the events with Marie be viewed in terms of characterization?

5. What is a humorous aspect of the river trip having to do with being on fresh water?

6. Why was the disguise as Dutch customs officials so suitable for where the men were going?

7. What is Hornblower's status at the end of Chapter 17 and how does he view his possible future?

8. What does the Count suggest will be good disguises for the men and how does he help them with the disguise?

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

10. How are the French responding to the missing men and what finally happens that gives them some hope?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hornblower throughout much of novel is emotionally involved with three different women. Discuss one following:

1. Compare/contrast Hornblower's feelings about Marie versus Maria.

2. Compare/contrast Hornblower's feelings about Marie versus Lady Leighton.

3. Compare/contrast Hornblower's feelings about Maria versus Lady Leighton.

Essay Topic 2

At sea, the commander of a vessel is "God," and failure to obey the Captain's orders can subject one to court martial and even execution. Discuss the following:

1. Should Bush be held accountable for the crime of piracy when he was merely following Hornblower's orders?

2. Why do you think mutiny on a ship is punishable by death?

3. Is there ever a justifiable reason for a crew to mutiny?

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)

This section contains 1,044 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample