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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. Where are Hornblower and St. Vincent maneuvered?

2. Who is the one officer Hornblower remembers clearly?

3. Where are Hornblower and St. Vincent going?

4. What is Lieutenant Jones' full name?

5. What happens to the horse driver?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Hornblower introduced to the Prince of Seitz-Bunau.

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

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

5. Describe Hornblower's encounter with the King.

6. Describe Hornblower's encounter with the Prince of Seitz-Bunau.

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

8. Why is the Atropos anchored and what does Hornblower do with the time?

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

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

Hornblower and the Atropos is one book in a series of novels involving Horatio Hornblower. Discuss the following.

1. What is one advantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters?

2. What is a disadvantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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 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)

This section contains 1,145 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample