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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 Gudin prefer for executions?

2. Why does Sharpe take control of the mission?

3. What does Lieutenant Lawford suggest?

4. To where is the British army moving?

5. What is the main reason the British win the battle against Tippoo in Chapter 1 so quickly?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where do the lancers take Lawford and Sharpe and what do the two men see as they enter there?

2. To what duties are Sharpe, Lawford and Mary assigned?

3. What does Sharpe tell Lawford about the events of the morning in the courtyard?

4. How is Sharpe's punishment carried out and how does it stop?

5. Why does Sharpe's case for the court-martial look hopeless?

6. What nationality is Mary and what do she and Sharpe talk about when he joins her after the battle? To whom was Mary married when she became a widow?

7. What is Hakeswill thinking about as he is looking for money and what does he do about a dying soldier who has money taped to his chest?

8. What does the British do to advance on Tippoo and why are Tippoo's tactics poor?

9. How does Tippoo execute two men?

10. How do the other officers feel about Lawford suggesting Sharpe accompany him on the mission?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Sharpe's Tiger". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Cornwell chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors, then trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Cornwell chooses the metaphors he does?

3. Discuss Cornwell's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Cornwell use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme.)

Essay Topic 2

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 Tiger" 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.

Essay Topic 3

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 Hakeswill. Include their goals, sense of honor, abilities, and social skills.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of General Harris and Tippoo Sultan.

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

(see the answer keys)

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