Why did Sharpe allow his wife to abscond with his money? Surely he could assert his marital rights. He does have friends in high places and, specifically the Duke of Wellington, disapproves of his wife's liaison. Discuss.

Given Sharpe's social ineptitude, whatever did he and Jane have in common? Was Sharpe the victim of a confidence trick on the part of a beautiful woman? Give a possible scenario based on what the story tells us about these two individuals.

Taking into account Sharpe's humble beginnings, is it a massive inferiority, which makes him so vehemently antagonistic towards Lord John Rossendale? Discuss.

Lord John Rossendale has nothing to offer Jane Sharpe except his good looks. What does she see in him and why is divorce and remarriage to him so important to her? Discuss the practicality of both Sharpe, his wife and Lord John divorcing...