'Mr. Midshipman Hornblower'

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews C.S. Forester's book, 'Mr. Midshipman Hornblower'. The paper discusses Horatio Hornblower's education in naval lifestyle. According to the paper, the character develops as he realizes he possesses leadership qualities.

From the Paper:

"In this chapter, Hornblower also learns how life at sea does not always prepare a man for the politics and etiquette of life on land. At the very end of the book, Hornblower will reflect that he has come to prefer "the companionship of the sea," to the friendship of human creatures of either the land or sea. (p. 283) This new divide within Hornblower's soul shows that C.F. Forester is not averse to presenting an uncomfortable picture of Hornblower's socialization from time to time. For example, in Chapter 7, "Hornblower and the Spanish Galleys," Hornblower allows that his success at arms is partially due to his ability to think quickly and move quickly like an "animal" in a state of "fighting madness" or "sheer insanity" rather than by virtue of human compassion. (Although he also credits "good fortune" as well as his own prowess, showing how he has become more modest with age and wisdom."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Forester, C.F. Mr. Midshipman Hornblower. Boston: Back Bay Books, 1959.

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