A Horatio Hornblower Short Story as Written by ChatGPT

A Horatio Hornblower Short Story as Written by ChatGPT

I noticed this on the excellent guarini blog. (https://aubrey100.wordpress.com/)

As an experiment, ChatGPT was asked to write a Hornblower short story. Here is the result:

Horatio Hornblower stood at the helm of the HMS Lydia, his gaze fixed on the horizon as he surveyed the vast expanse of the ocean. The wind was strong and the seas were rough, but Hornblower was undeterred. He was a seasoned sailor, with years of experience under his belt, and he knew how to navigate these treacherous waters with ease.

As he scanned the horizon, Hornblower noticed a dark shape in the distance. At first, he thought it was a cloud, but as the Lydia drew closer, he realized it was a ship. It was a French frigate, flying the tricolour flag.

Hornblower knew that the French were the enemy, and that it was his duty to engage them in battle. He gave the order to prepare the ship for action, and the crew sprang into action. The guns were loaded and primed, the sails were adjusted, and the Lydia bore down on the French frigate with incredible speed.

The French frigate responded in kind, and soon the two ships were engaged in a fierce battle. Cannonballs flew back and forth between the ships, and the Lydia rocked and swayed in the rough seas. Hornblower remained calm, cool, and collected throughout the battle, issuing orders and directing the crew with precision and skill.

As the battle raged on, Hornblower noticed that the French frigate was beginning to falter. Its sails were torn and its hull was badly damaged. Hornblower seized the opportunity and ordered his crew to board the French frigate.

The Lydia pulled alongside the French ship, and Hornblower led his men across the gap, sword in hand. The French crew fought fiercely, but Hornblower and his men were too much for them. They overpowered the French crew and took control of the frigate.

Hornblower stood on the deck of the French frigate, triumphant. He had defeated the enemy, and captured their ship. He ordered the French crew to be taken prisoner, and the Lydia set sail for home, with the French frigate in tow.

As they sailed towards England, Hornblower reflected on the battle. He knew that it had been a hard-fought victory, but he also knew that it was just one small victory in a much larger war. He knew that there would be more battles to come, and that he and his crew would have to be ready for whatever lay ahead.

But for now, Hornblower was content. He had done his duty, and he had done it well. He was a true hero of the British Navy, and he knew that he had earned the respect and admiration of his fellow sailors.

Just my opinion.............

When I read this, I'm unmoved. I 'see' none of the frenetic action of the sailors 'waging the battle' and there are no casualties of the conflict.
There is nothing here that 'strikes my imagiination' nor urges me to continue reading.
I've found recipes for deserts that were more appetizing.

Alaric, you have nothing to fear here.

I particularly enjoyed "Hornblower knew that the French were the enemy, and that it was his duty to engage them in battle"...

Seems that ChatGPT can write up a fairly unimaginative plot, similar to the way people report that it is good at coming up with course syllabi, but who would ever want just a pastiche of HNF? Thanks for the post, Mr. Bond.