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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. Why does the Captain climb down the hatchway?

2. Buckland, as acting Captain, seems to be quite ______________.

3. Who gives the orders for the ship to be dispatched?

4. The Captain orders _______ and _______ to report properly dressed when every watch is called.

5. Smith is ranked __________.

Short Essay Questions

1. How have the attitudes of the ship changed since the change in command?

2. Who could be excused from attending church services on board ships in the British Royal Navy?

3. Who is and is not on the maindeck for the Captain's reading on the 4th Sunday?

4. What is Lt. Bush's responsibility during the raid on the privateers?

5. What would happen if the Renown sailed into Kingston with either a success or if "she came limping in"?

6. Describe how and where cannon shot is heated.

7. Why might Bush be both pleased and irritated with Hornblower?

8. Describe the moment when Buckland takes command of the ship.

9. What are the four shipmen discussing on the darkened lower gun deck at the beginning of Chapter 4?

10. Describe the breakfast that the shipmen have at the beginning of Chapter 5.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is the story resolved at the end of Chapter 20? Are all the loose ends tied up? Are all of the questions answered? What effect does the introduction of the female character, Maria, have to the ending of the story? Based on the way the novel is ended, would you as the reader wish to continue reading the series or are you satisfied with the way it ends?

Essay Topic 2

What is the importance of studying an author's biography prior to delving into a novel written by that same author? What do you learn about C.S. Forester that makes your reading of "Lieutenant Hornblower" more interesting, more informed, or more complicated? Is this is a useful research tool when starting to read a novel? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

How is the relationship between Bush and Hornblower different once the two officers reunite in Portsmouth? How are their behaviors different towards one another in contrast to how they communicated while on the Renown? How have the men changed since their time together on the Renown? Why is this change significant to acknowledge?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 905 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample