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. Of what does the fleet commander assure Hornblower?

2. What do the men carefully observe?

3. What does Hornblower do as they are in the boat?

4. What happens to the vessel Hornblower stole?

5. How many men were killed through the battle where Hornblower lost his ship?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Hornblower discard his disguise so quickly?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forester has tried as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think this book qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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.

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)

This section contains 992 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample