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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. Who does he notice laboring at the docks?

2. How is Hornblower able to bluster his way onto the cutter he decides to steal?

3. What vessel do the men spot?

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

5. What do the men carefully observe?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why does Hornblower discard his disguise so quickly?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hornblower , Bush and Brown lie, steal and cheat their way onto the Witch of Endor in order to effect an escape. Discuss the following:

1. There is a cliché that says "All is fair in love and war." Discuss whether you think that is true in a war situation.

2. There is a cliché that says "All is fair in love and war." Discuss whether you think that is true in a love situation. (Hint: Think about Hornblower hoping that Admiral Leighton has died.)

3. Discuss the irony of their stealing a ship when they've been condemned for piracy.

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)

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