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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 is the last container of gold?

2. Where does Atropos see the Castilla?

3. Who accidentally falls overboard?

4. What does Hornblower do to buy some time to save the man overboard?

5. About what does Jones become confused?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the capture of the Castilla.

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

5. Who comes aboard on a visit to the Atropos and what do Hornblower and the visitor discuss?

6. Describe the next attempt at using explosives.

7. Describe McCullum and his divers.

8. What does Hornblower do after delivering the treasure?

9. What does Hornblower think is good news?

10. What does the Mudir tell Hornblower and what are Hornblower's assumptions from the information?

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

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 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?

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