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 IV: The Wrong War

In an ill-fated mission to restore the monarchy in France, Horatio Hornblower and Captain Pellew join Lord Edrington of the English army, and Captain Charette and Colonel Moncoutant, French refugees determined to see the Republicans deposed. There is immediate friction as class, culture, and leadership styles clash both on deck and in strategy meetings. However, before the combined forces even set sail for France, Republicans steal documents detailing Charette's strategy. Upon arrival in France, Marquis Moncoutant reveals himself a tyrant, obsessed with using his beloved guillotine as revenge against the peasants who seized his village. Meanwhile, Charette's forces are brutally defeated. It quickly becomes clear that the English have been placed in great danger amidst a war that is not their own. Matters are further complicated when Hornblower falls in love with Mariette, a Republican, placing them both in danger. The mission is a disaster, but, ultimately, Lord Edrington's discipline, Captain Pellew's instinct, and Hornblower's military savvy serve to return the English forces to the "Indefatigable".

The objective and activities for this series comply with the National Standards for History for Grades 5 - 12. Standard 1A requires students to "describe how the wars of the revolutionary and Napoleonic period changed Europe, and assess Napoleon's effects on the aims and outcomes of the revolution".

• "Frogs"
• "Lobsters"
• Republicans
• Royalists
• artillery
• becalmed
• besmirch
• cavalier
• defile
• diplomacy
• expedition
• infantry
• prudence
• stalemate
• trifling
• untoward

1. Pay close attention throughout this episode to the way in which music is used in both the foreground and background. Note each time you hear music, describe the features of the music, and its purpose.

2. As you watch this episode, keep track of the various military strategies employed by both the French Republican and Royalist/English forces. Discuss the effectiveness of each.

3. How did the French and English become allies at this point during the Napoleonic wars?

4. Explain Pellew's reservations about leading the Royalist expedition to France. By contrast, what are Admiral Hood's reasons for getting involved in the venture? What does he see as the ultimate benefit of England's involvement in efforts to restore the French monarchy? Why does Admiral Hood decide to keep the theft of Charette's orders a secret?

5. Throughout this episode, identify the differences in the way the "Frogs" and the "Lobsters" approach their mission. Compare and contrast their conduct.

6. Based on Lord Edrington's reaction to Hornblower, discuss the differences between the English army and navy.

7. Identify the contraption that Colonel Marquis Moncouton is loading onto the "Indefatigable". What is its purpose?

8. Why do Hornblower's men have an antagonistic attitude toward the Royalist army?

9. Why is Pellew instructed to keep his ship in Queberon bay?

10. When the allied troops invade Muzillac, the new mayor leads the town people in a rendition of what is now the French national anthem. He is executed as a result. Why does a mere song and set of flags evoke such rage from Moncoutant?

11. How does Hornblower effectively use diplomacy in preventing Moncoutant from murdering the small boy who continues to sing?

12. At dinner, Moncoutant and Hornblower engage in a debate that essentially represents the underlying conflict between the Royalist and Republicans in France at this time. Clearly outline Moncoutant's philosophy supporting the monarchy. Contrast this with Hornblower's philosophy. How does Lord Edrington attempt to alleviate the resulting tension? As the scene concludes, note how Hornblower uses Moncoutant's insult against him.

13. What great risk do Hornblower and Mariette take by getting involved with each other?

14. Although Moncoutant is developed into a despicable character, note his final words before death. What is ironic about the manner of his death? Recall Moncoutant's earlier murder of the mayor. Compare the manner in which both men die.

15. Identify Pellew's personal struggle throughout the episode. What conclusion does he draw as he comforts Hornblower in the final moments of the story?

1. "La Marseillaise", now the national anthem of France, was composed in one night by Rouget de Lisle in 1792 in Strasbourg. A young student sang the song in Marseille for 500 volunteer soldiers on their way to Paris (see www.avenuefrance.com/Songs). The lyrics are written below. Invite a French teacher to provide translation and discuss the significance of the words to the ideals of the French Revolution. Finally, obtain the music, and learn to sing this rousing anthem.

2. Allons enfants de la patrie,

3. Le jour de gloire est arrivé!

4. Contre nous de la tyrannie,

5. L'étendard sanglant est levé! (bis)

6. Entendez-vous dans nos campagnes

7. Mugir ces féroces soldats?

8. Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras

9. Egorger nos fils, nos compagnes!

10. Aux armes citoyens!

11. Formez vos bataillons!

12. Marchons, Marchons,

13. Qu'un sang impur

14. Abreuve nos sillons!

15. Write an essay about the importance of music in this film. Examining both background and foreground music, discuss the ways in which it enhances the plot.

16. During this episode, Hornblower comments, "[the guillotine is] as effective at subduing troubles as an army of 5,000 men". Later, Mariette refers to the guillotine as "the only Lord and Master in France". Research the history and tremendous impact of the guillotine during the revolutionary years in France.

17. Write an essay supporting one of the following contentions: Napoleon upheld the ideals of the French Revolution OR Napoleon betrayed the ideals of the French Revolution

18. Put Napoleon on trial for betraying the ideals of the French Revolution. Pooling research from the previous assignment, divide the class into the following roles:prosecution team, defense team, witnesses for the prosecution, witnesses for the defense, Napoleon, the jury, and the judge. Role-play the trial after preparing arguments and rehearsing testimonies.

Related Videos

Air Dates

• July 13, 1999
• July 14, 1999