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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. Where are Sharpe's riflemen hidden?

2. What does Sharpe order from Irati for his men?

3. What would cause Sharpe serious problems?

4. From what disaster are some of the men at the Fort at Ochagavia taking refuge?

5. How long has Colonel Jean Gudin been in his present command?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sharpe order when the French send in the voltiguers, and what does Sharpe's order tell the French?

2. What does Hogan tell Sharpe will be his immediate assignment?

3. What has Sharpe been doing for the past ten years? Whom does he command? Why? When do Sharpe and his men march? What does Sharpe ignore?

4. Why is General Picard upset? What pleases him about his men? Why does he think he is different from Gudin?

5. With what types of troubles is Gudin plagued?

6. What does Sharpe and d'Alembord see through Sharpe's telescope?

7. How does Gudin feel about leaving the fort at Ochagavia, and what is the group composed of who will be leaving the fort?

8. When does Sharpe think the French will arrive? What does he do for his men because of this?

9. What does Gudin think about when he thinks of India?

10. What do the French do about the remaining barrels, and what is Sharpe facing from the south?

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 Caillou. Include their goals, sense of honor, abilities and social skills. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Gudin and Picard. Include their goals, sense of honor, abilities, and social skills. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Richard Sharpe discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

At the conclusion of a story, most readers either consciously or unconsciously engage in processing the story 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 Christmas a "good" story? Why or why not? Use examples to illustrate your stance.

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

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

Essay Topic 3

Sharpe's Christmas, like many, and perhaps a majority, of stories ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think most people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Sharpe's Christmas and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Sharpe's Christmas is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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