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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Sharpe tell the riflemen to do that is not part of the plan?

2. What word does Sharpe say to the French sentry over and over?

3. Who wants to give the banner to the French?

4. What does the legend say will happen if the banner is ever captured?

5. How do the volunteers do when Vivar watches a demonstration?

Short Essay Questions

1. How long do the troops march and what do the riflemen do to keep their movement a secret?

2. How do the townspeople react to the British and Spanish attacking?

3. What do Sharpe and Louisa talk about and what is Louisa's idea? How does Sharpe feel about her idea?

4. What does Sharpe ask Vivar about the riflemen and what is Vivar's response? How does Sharpe answer him?

5. What kind of idea does Sharpe have and what is Vivar's response?

6. How does Sharpe feel about Louisa being gone and what does Vivar tell Sharpe about her absence?

7. What does Sharpe do with the caltrops and how do they work?

8. What does Vivar tell Sharpe and what does he do?

9. What does the French colonel tell Sharpe and what is Sharpe's response?

10. Why is Sharpe going into the palace?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though this novel is probably more action driven rather than character driven, obviously there are several characters who make the novel what it is. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Sharpe and Murray. Include their goals, sense of honor, abilities and social skills.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Harper and Willams.

3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Richard Sharpe discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.

Essay Topic 2

Honor is a very important concept in Sharpe's Rifles and in the life of those in the upper class during that era. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of honor in Sharpe's Rifles. What do you think Sharpe would tell you is the definition of honor if you ask him? Do you think honor can be restored if it is lost?

2. Respond to the following statement using specific examples from the book and your own experience: Honor is one of the most important character traits for anyone in any social strata. First fully define the concept of honor, then discuss whether you believe the preceding statement is true with specific examples from Sharpe's Rifles and other books/films and other media that you have read or experienced.

3. During the era in which Sharpe lives, men could give their word on the basis of being a gentleman and it was assumed to be true. There was no such concept for a lady or anyone of lower social/economic groups. Fully discuss the implications in a society where only gentlemen are considered trustworthy enough to give their word unquestioned.

Essay Topic 3

At the conclusion of a novel, most readers either consciously or unconsciously engage in processing the book and usually come to a conclusion as to whether they like the book or not. Discuss one of the following:

1. Would you consider Sharpe's Rifles a "good" book? Why or why not? Use examples to illustrate your stance.

2. What do you think are the elements of an outstanding novel? Analyze one of your favorite novels to see if those elements are present.

3. What are some reasons you might consider a novel a failure? Analyze a novel you think is a failure and see if those elements are in that novel.

(see the answer keys)

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