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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 happens to the lead barge?

2. What sort of affect does Hornblower maintain?

3. From where has the Prince fled?

4. Upon what vessel do Hornblower and his family take passage?

5. What angers some of the onlookers?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hornblower know something is amiss on the Amelia Jane and what does he do?

2. After attempting to engage Hornblower in conversation, with whom does the tiller man talk and what is her response?

3. What is the status of the Atropos when Hornblower questions Lieutenant Jones?

4. Describe Hornblower's encounter with the King.

5. What is recovered from the sea and what does Hornblower figure out from the object?

6. How are things progressing at the beginning of the procession?

7. How does Hornblower respond to Eisenbeiss's blusters?

8. What happens at Oxford to relieve Hornblower of his volunteer job and then what does Hornblower do?

9. What is Hornblower's destination after Gibraltar?

10. To where and how are Hornblower and his family traveling?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hornblower and the Atropos, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note (until he arrives back home). Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Hornblower and the Atropos and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Hornblower and the Atropos is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of McCullum and Eisenbeiss. How are both abrasive? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Is either man's cause more worthy than the other? Do you think Hornblower is more sympathetic towards one of the men compared to the other? Why? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Hornblower in chapters 1-4 with Hornblower as he is in the remainder of Hornblower and the Atropos. How can you tell they are the same man? How do they seem different? Which do you enjoy more? Why? Which of the two Hornblowers seems more "real?" Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples. (Consider Maria Hornblower, Tom Jenkins, Pallender, Admiral Lord St. Vincent, Lieutenant John Jones, the Prince Seitz-Bunau, the Mudir, George Turner and Collingwood as secondary characters for the purpose of this essay topic.)

Essay Topic 3

Admiral Hornblower is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in this book and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't always succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Hornblower whom you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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