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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 the Mudir offer for the Atropos's continued presence?

2. Where does Atropos go after discharging the treasure?

3. Why does Atropos slow down?

4. What is the greatest danger from the wound?

5. What does Hornblower assume about the Mudir's request?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the Atropos have to heave to momentarily and what does Hornblower do?

2. Why does Hornblower believe the second attempt at explosives is unsuccessful and what does McCullum explain?

3. What does the Mudir tell Hornblower and what are Hornblower's assumptions from the information?

4. Describe the first attempt at using an explosive device and what is decided as a result.

5. How does Hornblower continue his ruse concerning the Castilla?

6. Describe the Atropos' escape from the Marmorice Bay.

7. Describe the beginning preparations for the salvage operation.

8. What besides the fortresses has appeared to cause problems for the Atropos?

9. What is Hornblower's strategy as he is being pursued by the Castilla?

10. What does Eisenbeis explain to Hornblower about McCullum's wound?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

C. S. Forester often uses historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Hornblower and the Atropos qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If many 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 2

Many of the series of novels concerning Horatio Hornblower take place during the Napoleonic Wars; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time engenders greater understanding and appreciation of Hornblower and the Atropos and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the naval aspect of the Napoleonic Wars between Britain and France.

3. Compare/contrast the importance of the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British navy during either WWI or WWII.

4. Trace and analyze how it is obvious that Hornblower and the Atropos is set during the Napoleonic Wars.

Essay Topic 3

During this era when Hornblower and the Atropos takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel, the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British and other countries had such a policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

4. Which vessel(s) are mentioned in Hornblower and the Atropos that fall under this maritime law and what are the circumstances of their capture? Does it seem fair?

(see the answer keys)

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