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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. For what does Matthews mistake Sharpe?

2. What does Hakeswill do when Teresa enters the stables?

3. Where is Teresa's daughter staying?

4. When did Hakeswill join the army?

5. How do the British cross the River Guadiana?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Sharpe see in the new replacements that throws him off and what happens when he sees that person? How does he feel about the encounter?

2. What do Sharpe and Hogan discuss when they see each other in Chapter 1?

3. Who reports to Sharpe when reinforcements arrive for the battalion, what mistake does he make and what does he do after he is corrected?

4. Describe Hakeswill's character and why he is in the army.

5. Why is Sharpe's back scarred?

6. What do Harper and Sharpe run into as they begin to enter the city and what do they do about it?

7. What is Sharpe's rank in Chapter 1 and what is the ambiguity surrounding his rank?

8. What does Leroy tell Sharpe, who does he point out to Sharpe and what does Sharpe realize when that happens?

9. What kind of obstacle does the River Guadiana pose for the British and how do they surmount it?

10. What siege does Sharpe participate in at the beginning of Chapter 1 and how does he pass his time when not fighting?

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

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

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

Sharpe, despite his background, is an officer and a gentleman and is therefore accorded more respect and trust even in enemy territory than the common soldier. Discuss the following:

1. Does it seem likely that officers are usually more respectable than enlisted men back then? What about today? Why or why not.

2. Sharpe has resumed his affair with Teresa while still considering marrying Jane Gibbons. Do you think this is how an officer and gentleman comports himself? Why or why not.

3. In the present military in the United States, both officers and enlisted can be held for court martial for adultery or having sexual relations with someone of inferior rank. Why do you think this is so? Do you agree with the policy?

Essay Topic 3

Most of the entire series of novels concerning Richard Sharpe takes place during the Napoleonic Wars; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of this book and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the battles that take place on land between Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British infantry during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British infantry during either WWI or WWII.

4. Write an expository essay on how the Napoleonic War affects the social culture of one of the following countries: Britain, France, or Germany.

(see the answer keys)

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