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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. Who has intercepted Villeneuve?

2. What does McCool give Hornblower?

3. What do the English do with the two long boats?

4. What does Hornblower mention about Ferrol?

5. What do the men confined below decks do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Hornblower do while the men are destroying the ship?

2. What man is aboard the Epérance in whom the English seem interested?

3. Describe the fight to gain control of the French brig.

4. What are the setting and circumstances at the opening of this short story?

5. How do the Englishmen get over to the French brig?

6. Describe Meadows.

7. What are several factors that cause Marsden to be impressed with Hornblower?

8. What does Baddlestone suggest and what does Hornblower ultimately have the men do to the French brig?

9. How does Reverend Doctor Claudius fit into Hornblower's scheme?

10. Describe the situation about McCool's chest and what Hornblower ultimately decides to do.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.)

Essay Topic 3

During wartime then, and even into the 20th century, a death sentence is often carried out within hours or days after the sentencing among the military. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think a death sentence is executed so quickly among the military during wartime?

2. Do you think it is right that the soldier/sailor has no recourse to appeal a sentence of death if he is convicted of certain crimes in wartime?

3. Do you think McCool should have been allowed an appeal? Explain your answer fully.

(see the answer keys)

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