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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 does Hornblower discover about the vessel he boards after talking with the Spanish sailors about Helmond's artillery?

2. What does Hornblower spend his time doing during the next two weeks after the dinner with Ramsbottom?

3. How does Spendlove escape?

4. Where does Hornblower tour the brig?

5. To where does the Clorinda return?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Hornblower do to keep the various authorities in the area from being upset at Hornblower and the English?

2. What does Hornblower do once he reaches Puerto Cabello?

3. What does Hornblower learn from the Dutch and Spanish ministers with whom he converses?

4. Who has kidnapped Hornblower and Spendlove and what are the demands?

5. Who appears at breakfast and how does he get there?

6. Why does Hornblower quickly leave Curaçao and where does he go?

7. What are the implications of the capture of the Helmond?

8. How do Hornblower and the governor disagree and what does Hornblower do about it for the moment?

9. Who does Hornblower meet ashore at Puerto Cabello and what ensues while Hornblower is ashore?

10. About what do the men converse while dining on the Bride of Aybados?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Hornblower returns from captivity from the pirates, not only does the Governor refuse to allow Hornblower to return, he also suggests that Spendlove is expendable. Discuss the following:

1. How much confidence would a leader inspire if the men/women under him/her believes the leader sees them as expendable?

2. What personality traits of Governor Hooper would enable him to just write off the life of another human, particularly one who has served his country honorably?

3. What do you think Hornblower would have done had Spendlove not arrived as Hornblower and the Governor are having breakfast? Explain in detail.

Essay Topic 2

Honor is a very important concept in this book and in the life of those in the upper class during that era. After Hornblower gives his word to Cambronne about Napoleon's death, Hornblower is beset with guilt and the agony of knowing he has besmirched his honor. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of honor in Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies. What do you think Admiral Hornblower would tell you is the definition of honor if you ask him? Do you think honor can be restored if it is lost? Does Hornblower lose his honor in the lie he tells to Cambronne? Should he?

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 Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies 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 3

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and Admiral Horatio Hornblower is no exception. Hornblower's legendary power of reasoning is juxtaposed with his nervousness and internalized self-doubt. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze situations when Hornblower demonstrates his prodigious powers of reasoning. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze Hornblower's character flaws, especially his nervousness and self-doubt, offering specific examples of these flaws in your discussion.

3. Discuss how you think Hornblower's admirable traits helped him obtain a high rank in the Navy, and how Hornblower hides his character flaws so they have not impeded his career. Do any of those under his command seem to notice these flaws? Who? How does the reader know this?

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