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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. To whom does Hornblower whisper an explanation?

2. Who is Doctor Eisenbeiss?

3. How does St. Vincent refer to Hornblower?

4. About what does Maria fret?

5. What does Hornblower order?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hornblower get the Atropos ready for departure?

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

3. What do Hornblower and Maria do after leaving the wherry?

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

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

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

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

8. How does Hornblower help the captain of the boat?

9. What fascinates Hornblower about the boat on which he is riding?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze one major theme of Hornblower and the Atropos. Consider the following: How does one character's actions portray the theme you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme?" If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

2. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Hornblower and the Atropos. How does one character's actions portray the themes you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme?" If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

3. What benefit is there in discussing and analyzing the themes of a work of fiction? Do you think most authors consciously develop themes in their works? Why or why not? Can there be accidental themes? What do you think is one possible "accidental" theme in Hornblower and the Atropos. Which theme in Hornblower and the Atropos speaks to you the most in your life? Why?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

During this era when Hornblower and the Atropos takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British and other countries had such a policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

4. Which vessel(s) are mentioned in Hornblower and the Atropos that fall under this maritime law and what are the circumstances of their capture? Does it seem fair?

(see the answer keys)

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