At Rosas, the Spanish warden treats Hornblower with respect. He returns Hornblower's sword, allows Hornblower wide discretionary liberties, and even gives Hornblower a purse of money before releasing him. On the other hand, the Frenchman Caillard, treats Hornblower with contempt and views him as a pirate. Discuss the political situation during the time of the novel and why the Spanish officer's outlook varied so enormously from that of the French officer.

Hornblower's loss of the Sutherland crippled the French squadron. Hours later, the remainder of the English squadron annihilated the disabled French squadron. Would the sinking of four French ships-of-the-line have been possible without Hornblower's actions with the Sutherland? In the strategic situation, who was the victor—England or France? Why?

Hornblower admires Brown's easy competence at nearly any task and marvels at Brown's social adaptability. On several occasions Hornblower admires Brown's masculine...