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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. What does Hornblower learn in a letter from Barbara?

2. Where is Hornblower often gazing?

3. What do the men detect?

4. Why does Bush fret about the loss of his foot?

5. How do the men propel the boat?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is the writing style like in Chapters 11 and 12?

4. What does Brown do that demonstrates his change in attitude towards Hornblower and how does Hornblower feel about it?

5. 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?

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

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

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

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

10. What worries Hornblower as the days in the count's house go by? What kind of visions does he have of her and Barbara?

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 6, while Hornblower sits in the coach fretting, he sees a rowboat bobbing on the river, and he forms an instant plan. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze Hornblower's ability to think quickly and take action to do what needs to be done.

2. Why do you think the ability to think quickly would be a valuable asset to one in a command position? Explain fully.

3. Do both Bush and/or Brown also demonstrate the ability to think quickly? How about clearly thinking? Explain fully.

(see the answer keys)

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