Classic children's literature can inspire exploration in science, history, geography, and the arts. We offer the following unit study on the novel Mr. Midshipman Hornblower by CS Forester.

Brief Synopsis:
Mr. Midshipman Hornblower
At the age of 17 Horatio Hornblower begins his new life as a midshipman seasick in port on the HMS Justinian. Hornblower full of self doubt nevertheless faces the challenges of life at sea on the eve of the Napoleonic wars with courage. He seems to have a phenomenal measure of good luck to add to his own quick thinking and resolute action.

In the first chapter tormented by a fellow misshipman, Horatio decides that since his chances of winning a duel are even, he would be better off attempting to rid himself of his tormenter. Neither antagonist in the duel is shot because Captain Keene has ordered, unknown to the duelists, that the pistols not be loaded. Horatio's angry reaction to this turn of events leads him to learn "There could be a morbid desire for danger --- and a morbid desire to occupy momentarily the centre of the stage."

Horatio is soon transferred from the Justinian to the Indefatifable, a frigate which will carry him to further adventures against the French and Spanish. Thoughout these adventures Horatio learns about himself and life in general.

Resources:

Horatio Hornblower & CS Forester Websites:

• A&E Horatio Hornblower
  • Episode 1: The Duel
  • Episod 2: The Examination for Lieutenant
  • Episode 3: The Duchess and the Devil
  • Episode 4: The Wrong War
  • Horatio Hornblower: The Even Chance
    
• Horatio Hornblower Fanfiction Archive
  
• Who Was Hornblower? (Requires payment to read full article)
  
• Horatians.org
  
• Ha-H'm. The Hornblower Pages
• Addicted to Hornblower?

Study Resources and Ideas

• Bible
• Language Arts
• Science
• Geography
• History
• Hands On Activities
• History Resources
• Science Resources (Note: There is some duplication in these listings especially in the resources for the Navigation sections in Science and Geography. Items in both lists work from both perspectives.)
• Geography Resources