View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What bargain does McCool strike with Hornblower?

2. Who is O'Shaughnessy?

3. What skill does Hornblower mention that he possesses?

4. What bothers Hornblower a little about his participation in the plan?

5. What is Hornblower doing as the Princess gains port?

Short Essay Questions

1. What indications are there that the weighted packet Hornblower takes off the French brig might be important?

2. Describe the fight to gain control of the French brig.

3. What are the setting and circumstances at the opening of this short story?

4. What does Hornblower hand over to Marsden and Barrow, and what do they make of it?

5. What man is aboard the Epérance in whom the English seem interested?

6. Describe the outcome of the court martial and the events up to when McCool is hanged.

7. What do Hornblower and his men do when the prize crew arrives?

8. How does Marsden describe the encounter between Calder and Villeneuve?

9. What are Hornblower's thoughts about Ireland's plight?

10. What does Baddlestone suggest and what does Hornblower ultimately have the men do to the French brig?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Treason then, as now, is considered one of the most heinous crimes a citizen can commit and is often punishable by death. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think treason is considered to be so detestable than as now? (Perhaps even more so during the time of Hornblower's life).

2. Do you think the crime of treason is always bad enough to warrant a death sentence? Sometimes? Never? Does the fact that England is no longer at war with France when Hornblower aids Napoleon III make it an act of kindness rather than treason? Do you think Hornblower would have acted the same if England were still at war with France? What do you think he would have done otherwise?

3. Do you think McCool is being treasonous by fighting for a country who is at war with England even though McCool is from Ireland? Do you think McCool's death sentence is for treason or desertion? Is it warranted no matter why? Is desertion in times of war worth the death penalty? What about in times of peace? Explain your rationale.

Essay Topic 2

Loyalty is demonstrated in a number of ways, as is the lack of loyalty. Discuss the following:

1. How do you define loyalty? Is the ability and desire to be loyal an admirable trait in humans? Why or why not? What are the advantages and disadvantages of being loyal to a person? Cause? Country? Idea? What of those who are loyal to something no matter what they learn about that person, thing, ideal, country, etc... -in other words, blind loyalty.

2. Discuss and analyze Hornblower's tendency to be loyal. Is it always warranted? Wise? Earned? What situation in HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS shows Hornblower's loyalty at its most ideal? Do you feel that Hornblower is a loyal British subject? What about in "Hornblower's Temptation"? Friend? Husband? Comrade? Discuss each situation.

3. Do you think McCool is truly loyal to Ireland? Why do you think he would go from the military service of one country (England) to that of military service with a country at war with the first country (France). Does McCool not feel any loyalty to his oath of service? Does he think loyalty to his oath is invalid since he is from Ireland?

4. Why do you think even as young as he is, Hornblower is able to elicit loyalty from the men on board the Princess to go fight a difficult and dangerous battle with the sailors of the French brig?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Define irony in literary terms. Discuss the irony of the situation with Hornblower providing transportation to Napoleon III in "The Last Encounter."

2. Define symbolism in literary terms. Discuss the use of and meaning of Captain Baddlestone's name, Hornblower's name, the weighted packet, the vessel named Princess...and three other symbols you choose to analyze.

3. Discuss the use of foreshadowing in literature. What is the purpose of foreshadowing? Cite 3 examples of foreshadowing and how it is used to indicate events to come in the Hornblower During Crisis, "Hornblower's Temptation, and "The Last Encounter."

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,393 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample