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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 happens after they ship fires a few more times?

2. What is the Helmond?

3. How does Ramsbottom appear physically?

4. What does Hornblower climb?

5. What does Hornblower witness ashore?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the dinner aboard the Bride of Abydos and the new "invention" that may revolutionize shipboard fare.

3. Why does Hornblower write the letter and what demonstrates how little authority Johnson has over the group?

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

5. Describe the strike on the pirate's redoubt and the outcome.

6. Where do Hornblower and Spendlove figure they are?

7. What happens immediately upon Hornblower's return that is disconcerting to him?

8. How does Hornblower manage to avoid a confrontation with Spanish and Dutch officials and where does Hornblower go from Puerto Cabello?

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

10. Describe the area where Hornblower and Spendlove are being held.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter 4, Hornblower's wife, Barbara, inform Hornblower that Ramsbottom has made a big splash in the English social scene and that the man is a millionaire. It is the first time Hornblower has read the word as being attached to an individual, and he finds it distasteful in that context. Discuss one of the following:

1. Considering that Ramsbottom is labeled a millionaire in the early 1800s, he must be a man of considerable wealth, probably akin to a billionaire today. Why do you think he chooses to risk his life (which is still fairly young) on helping Bolívar towards liberation for Venezuela? Do you think his actions are admirable or foolish? Or both?

2. Ramsbottom could be labeled a filibuster or freebooter. Research that term as used in that era and define it, then answer the following questions: What do you think are the motives of most filibusters or freebooters? How do you think they have contributed to the instability of many governments? Do you think this type of person still works behind the scenes in unstable regions? Why or why not?

3. Ramsbottom seems unconcerned about his grave wound and exuberantly follows Bolívar's army. Do you think Ramsbottom is so passionate about freeing the Venezuelans from Spanish rule that he is not thinking clearly? Do you think many fanatics who do things despite huge odds or grave physical wounds are unbalanced? What makes a fanatic?

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

Because this novel centers around life at sea, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s? (Think perhaps about such aspects as speed, pollution, how easily repairs are made, etc.).

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank). This may require some research.

4. Steam engines are just coming into use in this novel. How might they change the way naval battles are fought?

(see the answer keys)

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