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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 size guns does the other English frigate bear?

2. Where does Hornblower take Atropos in her bid for freedom?

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

4. Where is the fuse placed?

5. What is one Turkish ship like that Hornblower notices?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the divers find the ship and what is the resultant plan?

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

3. Where does Atropos sail and from whom does Hornblower receive a dinner invitation?

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

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

6. What does Hornblower tell Eisenbeiss concerning the duel and McCullum?

7. Describe the beginning preparations for the salvage operation.

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

9. Describe Hornblower's interaction with the Mudir.

10. What does Hornblower suddenly notice about two deserted fortresses?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Define irony in literary terms. Discuss the irony of the situation whereby Hornblower believes he is fooling the Mudir. Find two other incidences of irony in Hornblower and the Atropos and discuss them.

2. Define symbolism in literary terms. Discuss the use of and meaning of five symbols found in Hornblower and the Atropos.

3. Discuss the use of foreshadowing in literature. What is the purpose of foreshadowing? Cite 3 examples of foreshadowing and how it is used to indicate events to come in Hornblower and the Atropos.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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