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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. Even if Napoleon rules the earth at the moment, what consoles Hornblower?

2. Where does Hornblower gain his first view of Atropos?

3. How does Maria respond to the views of London.

4. Where is Hornblower to proceed?

5. What is the name of the privateer Hornblower captures?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is recovered from the sea and what does Hornblower figure out from the object?

2. How is Hornblower feeling and why is it a blessing in disguise?

3. To where and how are Hornblower and his family traveling?

4. What happens when the Prince and his retinue come on board the Atropos?

5. What is Hornblower's destination after Gibraltar?

6. How does Hornblower get the Atropos ready for departure?

7. What are Hornblower's orders that await him on the Atropos and what does he do?

8. How does Hornblower end this chapter as the consummate family man?

9. Why is Hornblower introduced to the Prince of Seitz-Bunau.

10. What do the Hornblowers board after the canal board and where does that take them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of McCullum and Eisenbeiss. How are both abrasive? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Is either man's cause more worthy than the other? Do you think Hornblower is more sympathetic towards one of the men compared to the other? Why? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Hornblower in chapters 1-4 with Hornblower as he is in the remainder of Hornblower and the Atropos. How can you tell they are the same man? How do they seem different? Which do you enjoy more? Why? Which of the two Hornblowers seems more "real?" Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples. (Consider Maria Hornblower, Tom Jenkins, Pallender, Admiral Lord St. Vincent, Lieutenant John Jones, the Prince Seitz-Bunau, the Mudir, George Turner and Collingwood as secondary characters for the purpose of this essay topic.)

Essay Topic 2

During this era in which Hornblower and the Atropos is set, there are strongly-adhered-to class distinctions. Hornblower and most naval officers are considered "gentlemen." Discuss one of the following:

1. How do the divisions of class tend to make divisions among men? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a class-based society? What evidence is there of those advantages and disadvantages in Hornblower and the Atropos?

2. In the English military of that era, nobles and gentlemen generally are bthe officers and very few of the working or peasant class could cross the line into officer territory. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?

3. Do you think there is a class system in the United States? Does it carry over to the military? Why or why not? (Some research may be required.)

Essay Topic 3

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and Admiral Horatio Hornblower is no exception. Hornblower's legendary powers of reasoning are 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. Where in Hornblower and the Atropos does Hornblower's reasoning fail?

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 might help 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?

(see the answer keys)

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