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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. To whom does Hornblower report on land?

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

3. What is Hornblower's special duty?

4. Who is Lord Barham?

5. How does Maria act when Hornblower arrives?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What procedures are followed by Hornblower and others once McCool is aboard the Renown?

4. What does Hornblower hand over to Marsden and Barrow, and what do they make of it?

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

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

7. What indications are there that the weighted packet Hornblower takes off the French brig might be important?

8. What do Hornblower and his men do when the prize crew arrives?

9. Why is Hornblower privy to the information passed with the signal flags?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hornblower is a man who, for the most part, "plays by the book." Several of the men Hornblower encounters during the course of Hornblower During the Crisis do not play by the book. Discuss the following:

1. Baddlestone is surly and abusive towards the English naval officers knowing he cannot be pressed into service. Additionally, Baddlestone extorts money from Hornblower who does not know the navy's rates for passage aboard the Princess. Do you think Hornblower admires Baddlestone? Finds him despicable? A combination of both? Why do you think Baddlestone is willing to listen to a Hornblower in getting out of the situation with the French brig?

2. McCool also does not play by the rules. How do you think Hornblower views McCool's actions? Do you think Hornblower wishes he had more passion for something as McCool does? Do you think Hornblower is passionate enough to die for his beliefs as McCool does? Why or why not.

3. Hornblower "plays by the book" in choosing not to keep the money from McCool's trunk. Do you think this is admirable? Do you think you'd play by the book in the same situation? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Along with treason, another detestable action is spying. Spies are not considered in the same vein as soldiers in uniform and are not protected by the customs and regulations that govern the treatment of soldiers who are in uniform when captured. Discuss one of the following:

1. Why do you think spies are not accorded many rights under many countries' laws and/or customs? Does this seem just considering most major powers have spies?

2. Even though all countries abhor spies, often even their own, they still spy, and men and women are still willing to be spies. Discuss why you think this is so.

3. Do you think Hornblower is being wise in accepting the mission to deliver false orders to Villenueve? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Loyalty is demonstrated in a number of ways, as is the lack of loyalty. Discuss the following:

1. How do you define loyalty? Is the ability and desire to be loyal an admirable trait in humans? Why or why not? What are the advantages and disadvantages of being loyal to a person? Cause? Country? Idea? What of those who are loyal to something no matter what they learn about that person, thing, ideal, country, etc... -in other words, blind loyalty.

2. Discuss and analyze Hornblower's tendency to be loyal. Is it always warranted? Wise? Earned? What situation in HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS shows Hornblower's loyalty at its most ideal? Do you feel that Hornblower is a loyal British subject? What about in "Hornblower's Temptation"? Friend? Husband? Comrade? Discuss each situation.

3. Do you think McCool is truly loyal to Ireland? Why do you think he would go from the military service of one country (England) to that of military service with a country at war with the first country (France). Does McCool not feel any loyalty to his oath of service? Does he think loyalty to his oath is invalid since he is from Ireland?

4. Why do you think even as young as he is, Hornblower is able to elicit loyalty from the men on board the Princess to go fight a difficult and dangerous battle with the sailors of the French brig?

(see the answer keys)

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