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1. Where and when is Hornblower when the book opens?

Captain Horatio Hornblower is a prisoner of the French, held in a prison in the occupied Spanish city of Rosas during November, 1810.

2. How do the Spanish treat Hornblower and what can he see from where he is? What do you think it says about his character that they would do this?

His Spanish guards allow him a great deal of latitude in his imprisonment, and he is allowed to walk the premises under light guard for extended periods. From his walking route he can see, about half a mile away, the ruined and dismasted wreck of HMS Sutherland, his ship until only a few days ago. They must think he is a man of honor.

3. How did Hornblower end up where he is at the beginning of the novel?

Hornblower led the Sutherland into combat against four French ships-of-the-line--the Sutherland was forced to strike, severely damaging the four French vessels. Hornblower can see two of them dismasted and ruined, a third dismasted and severely damaged, and a fourth with extensive damage.

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