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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. With what is the document sealed that Hornblower delivered to the Admiralty?

2. What does Hornblower decide to do with the sea chest?

3. What does McCool give Hornblower?

4. Where does Hornblower go before leaving the French brig?

5. What is Hornblower's position on board?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is most useful about the document that Hornblower brings to the admiralty?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. How does Marsden describe the encounter between Calder and Villeneuve?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Treason then, as now, is considered one of the most heinous crimes a citizen can commit and is often punishable by death. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think treason is considered to be so detestable than as now? (Perhaps even more so during the time of Hornblower's life).

2. Do you think the crime of treason is always bad enough to warrant a death sentence? Sometimes? Never? Does the fact that England is no longer at war with France when Hornblower aids Napoleon III make it an act of kindness rather than treason? Do you think Hornblower would have acted the same if England were still at war with France? What do you think he would have done otherwise?

3. Do you think McCool is being treasonous by fighting for a country who is at war with England even though McCool is from Ireland? Do you think McCool's death sentence is for treason or desertion? Is it warranted no matter why? Is desertion in times of war worth the death penalty? What about in times of peace? Explain your rationale.

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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