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. For how long has Hornblower been without sleep?

2. What have the men reached?

3. What happens every few days?

4. What does Brown make for Bush?

5. What happens to the vessel Hornblower stole?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Hornblower reflect upon about his wife?

2. What would you say is the purpose of Chapters 11 and 12?

3. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,077 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample