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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. Why are more reliable methods not tried first?

2. Who comes aboard the Atropos?

3. Where is McCullum?

4. What type of fuse does the crew construct on the next attempt at demolition?

5. What does Eisenbeiss say is required if McCullum is to live?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Hornblower's interaction with the Mudir.

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

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

4. What does Eisenbeis explain to Hornblower about McCullum's wound?

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

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

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

8. What does Hornblower find when he returns to the Atropos?

9. What does Hornblower think is good news?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At sea, the commander of a vessel is "God," and failure to obey the Captain's orders can subject one to court martial and even execution. Discuss the following:

1. Should sailors be held accountable for anything they do under orders? Discuss fully, using examples both from Hornblower and the Atropos and your own knowledge.

2. Why do you think mutiny on a ship is punishable by death?

3. Is there ever justification for a crew to mutiny?

4. Hornblower threatens Eisenbeiss with flogging and/or hanging both at the time he comes on board Atropos for the first time and later when he shoots McCullum, though Eisenbeiss is neither a British citizen nor part of the navy. Why do you think Eisenbeiss obeys Hornblower? Is it fair that he must fall under the orders of Hornblower?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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