A&E brings to life C. F. Forester's indomitable character, Horatio Hornblower. Forester created Hornblower in 1937 and he appeared in eleven books before Forester's death in 1966. Hornblower is an enduring literary persona. A likable, courageous youth sailing the seven seas in service for His Majesty's Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, Hornblower's adventures take him to the far corners of the earth and in contact with some of the most disagreeable characters. Hornblower's talents and mathematical prowess enable him to plot a course of action that will veer him out of the path of certain death time and time again and rise to meet any challenge. Horatio Hornblower would be useful for classes on Literature, World History, Maritime History, Geography and Science and Technology. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Episode II: The Examination for Lieutenant

As Acting Lieutenant of the "Indefatigable", Horatio Hornblower prepares to take the notoriously difficult examination for Lieutenant. Meanwhile, the Spanish navy has destroyed the frigate's supplies and the ensuing rationing policy causes hardship. Tension mounts when Bunting, a vengeful crewman, attempts to instigate a mutiny. The crew's supply mission is further complicated in Iran by an encounter with the plague. Thus, Hornblower inadvertently finds himself in command of a quarantined ship!With stunning insight and firm command, he is able to maintain order and productivity while cramming for the dreaded examination. Ultimately, Hornblower's theoretical test is cut short by a fireboat attack in the port of Gibraltar. In his spectacular rescue of the "Indefatigable", Hornblower demonstrates his tremendous courage and aptitude for leadership.

• ally
• desertion
• epidemic
• fireship
• frigate
• gauntlet
• indefatigable
• jetty
• morale
• mutiny
• plaque
• quarantine
• rations
• starboard
• stern
• vessel

1. Briefly describe relations between England, Spain, and France during this period. As a military strategy, why would the Spanish destroy English supply ships?

2. When Captain Foster comes aboard the "Indefatigable", Hornblower and Captain Pellew have different opinions of Foster's fame. Outline the strategy Foster used as he siezed command of the supply ship. Describe Captain Pellew's reaction. Describe Hornblower's reaction. Which opinion would you support?

3. When Lieutenant Bracegirdle sees Hornblower studying to take the Lieutenant's examination, he offers Hornblower some important advice in the form of a challenge. Identify this challenge and discuss how Hornblower responds to it throughout the episode.

4. During the period of rationing, what plan does Bunting suggest to his shipmates? What risk does he eventually take? Identify both the physical and emotional motivation for his actions. Captain Pellew insists that Bunting's punishment is suitable for his crime. Do you agree?

5. In a dramatization of a story, the director need not rely on language exclusively to convey ideas. "Editing" refers to the way images in film are arranged. The order in which these images are presented to the viewer is often different from the order in which they are filmed. After Bunting's punishment, images of Hornblower resting are interspersed with images of Bunting resting. What is the purpose of pairing these two images? Describe how this is visual foreshadowing.

6. Define the word "heathen". When the crew arrives in Iran, what does Tapling mean when he suggests that Bunting "would be at home among the heathen"? What does this indicate about his attitude toward the Iranians?

7. In Iran, what is the first sign that there is trouble? Why does the crowd react as they do when they see Mr. Duras collapse?

8. What is Hornblower's solution to the crew having had contact with the plague?

9. Identify four of the problems facing Hornblower during the three weeks aboard the "Caroline". For each problem, identify Hornblower's solution.

10. Compare and contrast Hornblower's style of leadership with Captain Pellew's style of leadership.

11. Once again, in reference to the editing, describe the way in which Hornblower's victory is conveyed just after the men feast aboard the "Caroline".

12. In response to Bracegirdle's challenge, Hornblower feels he has failed given the outcome of his conflict with Bunting. Why does Hornblower question his leadership abilities at this stage? What does this reveal about his character?

13. While this episode presents several challenging and unpleasant issues, the writer and director maintain an element of humor throughout. Identify the devices used to create this humor.

14. Note the outcome of Hornblower's formal examination. Ultimately, he prepares for leadership in two different ways during this episode. What are they? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Is one more important than the other?

1. Prepare a time line of the major events of the French Revolution. During Napoleon's reign of France in the early 19th century, Europe was in turmoil. In a short paragraph, describe the conflict between England and Spain during that period.

2. Obtain a map of Europe from the early 19th century. Highlight the route of the "Indefatigable" from England to Gibraltar to Iran. Obtain a map of contemporary Europe. Compare and contrast these documents.

3. Develop a character sketch of Horatio Hornblower. Identify at least three traits (characteristics) and be sure to provide specific examples from the film.

4. In small groups (3 or 4), write a short story providing Hornblower with a new adventure. Be sure to maintain Hornblower's character traits as well as historical accuracy.

5. Trade stories with another group. Select one portion of this new story to develop into a short scene. Write a script paying close attention to the historical accuracy of language. Capturing the formality of language and mannerism depicted in the film, rehearse and perform the scene.

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