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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 declare about the men on the London brig?

2. What do the three Sinhalese divers do?

3. Where does the boat arrive at the Thames River proper?

4. What happens as the barge approaches its destination?

5. How does Maria respond to the views of London.

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hornblower end this chapter as the consummate family man?

2. Why does Hornblower change the original plans for the docking and offloading of the coffin?

3. What is Hornblower's next mission after joining the fleet?

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

5. Describe Maria Hornblower.

6. Describe the boat's journey from the tunnel to Oxford.

7. What are Hornblower's orders that await him on the Atropos and what does he do?

8. What do the Hornblowers board after the canal board and where does that take them?

9. Who and what does Hornblower take on board at Gibraltar?

10. Why does the boat stop and what is the captain's concern?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Honor is a very important concept in Hornblower and the Atropos and in the life of those in the upper class during that era. After Hornblower retrieves over 200,000 pounds of gold and silver, he immediately sails to turn over the treasure to his superiors despite the fact that he could have absconded with the money and lived in ease the rest of his life. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of honor in Hornblower and the Atropos. What do you think Admiral Hornblower would tell you is the definition of honor if you ask him? Do you think honor can be restored if it is lost?

2. Respond to the following statement using specific examples from the book and your own experience: Honor is one of the most important character traits for anyone in any social strata. First fully define the concept of honor, then discuss whether you believe the preceding statement is true with specific examples from Hornblower and the Atropos and other books or films that you have read or experienced.

3. During the era in which Hornblower lives, a man could give his word on the basis of being a gentleman and it is assumed to be true. There is no such concept for a lady or anyone of lower social/economic groups during this era. Fully discuss the implications in a society where only gentlemen are considered trustworthy enough to give their word unquestioned.

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

When Hornblower assumes command of the Atropos, he is assigned the Prince of Seitz-Bunau as a midshipman aboard the ship. Discuss the following:

1. What sort of difficulties do you think would ensue through having royalty on board the Atropos? Give examples from the book.

2. How does Hornblower handle the Prince? Do you agree with the way he handles the young man?

3. Hornblower is within his rights to have the Prince caned a few times when he almost causes the Atropos to have to engage the Castilla when they have no back up vessels. Do you think caning the Prince is the best way to handle the situation? How do you think the men feel about Hornblower after the incident?

4. Would you find it difficult to treat a Prince the same as the other men were you in command? Why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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