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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. Why do the men have to man the sweeps?

2. Who is in charge of the fleet the Triumph and Hornblower's ship rejoins?

3. Who does he notice laboring at the docks?

4. What does Hornblower learn in a letter from Barbara?

5. What does Hornblower hope about Barbara?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What does Hornblower and Bush do with Marie and the Count to help pass the time? How does Bush do with it?

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

9. 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?

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

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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