Hornblower plays whist like a master. The game is, of course, composed of luck but is designed such that a skilled partnership can typically defeat a less-skilled partnership. Discuss how the game of whist mirrors the paradigm of naval warfare—that is, Hornblower plays whist ashore but arranges tactical warfare while at sea.

Captain Sawyer is described as having shaggy eyebrows, shaggy hair, an unkempt appearance, and a huge nose which he points about as if it were a cannon. Discuss how his physical characterization helps present him as a crazy man who is dangerous.

Would you rather serve under Captain Sawyer or Lieutenant Buckland? Would your choice differ if you were an officer or a member of the crew?

Which lieutenant is the epitome of what a Royal Navy lieutenant should embody? Hornblower, Bush, or Buckland?

After reading the novel, does the...