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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. For what does Meadows say he'd give up his prize money for five years?

2. What do Hornblower and Bush both desire to avoid while saying their goodbyes?

3. Why does Baddlestone agree to Hornblower's plan?

4. Who pursues the French fleet?

5. What rank is Hornblower at the opening of the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Captain Meadows begins to read his orders of command and what does Bush do?

2. Who arrives at the Princess within a few hours after Baddlestone announces the results and why are they there?

3. What bothers Hornblower about what Baddlestone tells Hornblower?

4. What is the outcome of Meadows' court martial?

5. How does Hornblower learn that Baddlestone overcharged him tremendously for passage aboard the Princess?

6. What happens to the Hotspur?

7. What does Baddlestone say about the strategic situation between Villeneuve's fleet and that of Nelson's fleet?

8. What does Hornblower suggest and how is it received by Meadows and Baddlestone?

9. How do the English plan on destroying Villeneuve's fleet?

10. Describe the interaction between Bush and Hornblower when Bush comes to tell Hornblower the water hoy has arrived.

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 with Hornblower providing transportation to Napoleon III in "The Last Encounter."

2. Define symbolism in literary terms. Discuss the use of and meaning of Captain Baddlestone's name, Hornblower's name, the weighted packet, the vessel named Princess...and three other symbols you choose to analyze.

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 the Hornblower During Crisis, "Hornblower's Temptation, and "The Last Encounter."

Essay Topic 2

Hornblower During Crisis and "The Last Encounter," like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. Do you think "Hornblower's Temptation" ends on a "happy note"? Why or why not?

3. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS, "Hornblower's Temptation" and "The Last Encounter" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why these three titles are or are not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

Essay Topic 3

During this era when the book 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, etc...the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. For example, when Meadows is describing Baddleston to Hornblower in chapter one, Meadows says he'd give up 5 years worth of prize money to have Baddleston under his command for 10 minutes. The prize money to which Meadows is referring is that discussed above. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a "prize" 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. Do you think it fair that the English felt that any vessel of any country that showed support to France was fair game, along with the French vessels? (As did France behave the same way towards Britain's allies.)

(see the answer keys)

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