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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. Where does Hornblower go before leaving the French brig?

2. How is Hornblower feeling as he arrives home?

3. What does Hornblower suggest to Baddlestone about the papers from the French brig?

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

5. Who is Lord Barham?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What special duty is Hornblower assigned?

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

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

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

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

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

8. Describe the outcome of the court martial and the events up to when McCool is hanged.

9. What do the formerly sleeping watch sailors do as Hornblower is contemplating what to do with the ship?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze one major theme of Hornblower During the Crisis. Consider the following: How does one character's actions portray the theme you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme"? If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

2. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Hornblower During the Crisis. How does one character's actions portray the themes you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme"? If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

3. What benefit is there in discussing and analyzing the themes of a work of fiction? Do you think most authors consciously develop themes in their works? Why or why not? Can there be accidental themes? What do you think is one possible "accidental" theme in HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS. Which theme in HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS to you the most in your life? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if it is a successful novel. Explain your rationale with specific examples.

3. Do you think the fact that HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS falls within the genre of historical fiction changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

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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