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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 notice about Brown as they are leaving?

2. What do the three men come to realize?

3. What worries Hornblower about their eventual arrival home?

4. Why do the men have to stay inside?

5. What arrives over the next few days?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a humorous aspect of the river trip having to do with being on fresh water?

2. What happens as the weeks pass with Bush and how does Brown help him?

3. What do Bush and Brown do to prepare for a spring escape and how does Hornblower feel about it?

4. What was a major development with Hornblower's wife and how might that have changed his affair with Marie?

5. How might Hornblower's reaction to the events with Marie be viewed in terms of characterization?

6. Why does Hornblower discard his disguise so quickly?

7. How do you think the plan to steal the Witch of Endor could be viewed and why was it an excellent one? Who helped Hornblower and the others with taking her?

8. What would you say is the purpose of Chapters 11 and 12?

9. How might their escape from the French be viewed and what additional bonus did they bring with their escape?

10. Why was the disguise as Dutch customs officials so suitable for where the men were going?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Surprisingly, the Count announces that Hornblower will remain safe as his guest--he will not summon the authorities. The Count even offers Hornblower a loaded pair of pistols for safety, but Hornblower declines the generous offer. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the character of the Count and evaluate why you think he is so trusting.

2. The trust offered by the Count seems to trickle down to his servants and family. Discuss how the Count's interaction with his servants engender trust and loyalty from them.

3. Do you think familiarity breeds contempt or good will; i.e., will a wealthy person who is friendly and treats his staff well receive better service than one who is imperious and aloof? Discuss your stance.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 6, over the next days the travel continues as Bush recovers; Hornblower marvels at Bush's incredible constitution. Discuss one of the following:

1. Why do you think some people survive a physical and/or emotional trauma while others with a similar experience do not?

2. Discuss and analyze the traits that would be most helpful in any severe survival situation. Discuss how each of the three men possess some or all of those traits.

3. Compare/contrast yourself to Bush as far as how you would handle the type of situation he is in up through the time of his being granted command of the Witch of Endor.

Essay Topic 3

In addition to understanding the war in which Forester's novels are set, 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 FLYING COLOURS.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

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).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles described in the novel with one from WWII.

(see the answer keys)

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