3. If Cambronne is undertaking the mission which Hornblower believes he is doing, why is Hornblower concerned and what does Hornblower determine to do?

4. How do Fell and Hornblower differ on whether the Estrella's capture is still possible and why would that be so devastating to Fell? What does Hornblower decide to do?

5. What is the Daring?

6. Describe the vessel Hornblower's flagship spies.

7. What has been done while Hornblower was verbally sparring with the captain of the Estrella del Sur?

8. Who does Rear Admiral Hornblower talk with and what are the main topics of discussion?

9. What does Hornblower tell Cambronne when Hornblower boards the Daring?

10. How does Hornblower discreetly inform Fell of a possible plan to capture the Estrella del Sur and what is Fell's reaction?

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 Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies. 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 Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies. 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 Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies. Which theme in ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES speaks to you the most in your life? Why?

Essay Topic 2

C. S. Forester often uses historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think this book qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

4. Would you enjoy living in this era? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, etc...the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a "prize" policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

4. Do you think the per head prize money for slave vessels help contribute to the ending of slavery? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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