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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. What is the end result of Hornblower delivering the false orders to Villeneuve?

2. What does Hornblower realize from the poem?

3. What is Hornblower's opinion about Ireland?

4. What does Hornblower tell the men on the longboat to do?

5. What is the most important thing about the letter?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What does Hornblower do mostly because he is so tired and what is the response of Marsden?

9. Describe Hornblower's actions up until he meets with Marsden.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Honor is a very important concept in this book and in the life of those in the upper class during that era. After Hornblower learns of the large amount of cash in McCool's trunk, his sense of honor does not allow him to keep the cash, though no one else knows about it. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of honor in HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS. What do you think Hornblower would tell you is the definition of honor if you ask him? Do you think honor can be restored if it is lost?

2. Respond to the following statement using specific examples from the book and your own experience: Honor is one of the most important character traits for anyone in any social strata. First fully define the concept of honor, then discuss whether you believe the preceding statement is true with specific examples from HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS and other books/films, etc... that you have read or experienced.

3. During the era in which Hornblower lives, men could give their word on the basis of being a gentleman and it is assumed to be true. There was no such concept for a lady or anyone of lower social/economic groups. Fully discuss the implications in a society where only gentlemen are considered trustworthy enough to give their word unquestioned.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS is one book in a series of novels involving Horatio Hornblower. Discuss the following.

1. What is one advantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters?

2. What is a disadvantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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