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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 is the greatest danger from the wound?

2. What does Eisenbeiss want to do for McCullum?

3. How does Hornblower keep Atropos in relation to the Turkish ship?

4. Where does Atropos anchor?

5. What does the Mudir offer for the Atropos's continued presence?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Hornblower's strategy as he is being pursued by the Castilla?

2. Why does Hornblower believe the second attempt at explosives is unsuccessful and what does McCullum explain?

3. What does Hornblower see at Cartagena that surprises him, and what does he do?

4. How does the Atropos crew pass the time while the salvage operations are being conducted and how much is ultimately recovered?

5. Describe Eisenbeiss.

6. Why does the Atropos have to heave to momentarily and what does Hornblower do?

7. What does Hornblower think is good news?

8. Describe the beginning preparations for the salvage operation.

9. Describe Hornblower's interaction with the Mudir.

10. What besides the fortresses has appeared to cause problems for the Atropos?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

McCullum and Eisenbeiss fight a duel in which McCullum is gravely injured. Discuss the following:

1. What is a duel? How is it conducted? Why is it conducted? When does the use of duels to settle matters of honor go out of use in England? The United States?

2. What other methods do you think could be used to settle a matter of honor or insult to one's reputation?

3. In England, dueling becomes illegal in the 19th century, yet men still engage in them and the winner often has to flee to escape punishment. Do you think dueling should have been made illegal? Why or why not?

4. Research dueling in Britain and discuss the typical reasons two men (and once a female couple) would engage in a duel. Do the reasons seem worth the potential costs?

5. If dueling were still legal, can you imagine engaging in one? Why or why not.

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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