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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 does Hornblower do at the end of the day of loading Atropos?

3. What do the three Sinhalese divers do?

4. What does Hornblower find stressful?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What happens when the Prince and his retinue come on board the Atropos?

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

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

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

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

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

9. How is Hornblower feeling and why is it a blessing in disguise?

10. What does Hornblower do when he hears a shot in the foggy distance?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Hornblower and the Atropos based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if it is a successful novel. Explain your rationale with specific examples.

3. Do you think the fact that Hornblower and the Atropos falls within the genre of historical fiction changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

During this era in which Hornblower and the Atropos is set, there are strongly-adhered-to class distinctions. Hornblower and most naval officers are considered "gentlemen." Discuss one of the following:

1. How do the divisions of class tend to make divisions among men? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a class-based society? What evidence is there of those advantages and disadvantages in Hornblower and the Atropos?

2. In the English military of that era, nobles and gentlemen generally are bthe officers and very few of the working or peasant class could cross the line into officer territory. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?

3. Do you think there is a class system in the United States? Does it carry over to the military? Why or why not? (Some research may be required.)

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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