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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. Who is the father of Teresa's child?

2. What does Matthews present to Sharpe?

3. What is Sharpe looking for as he wanders Ciudad Rodrigo?

4. Who is with Teresa in the tavern?

5. During the American Revolutionary War with whom did Leroy's father fight?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Lawford and Sharpe's relationship and how do they interact?

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

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

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

5. Why are Sharpe and Harper relieved about their company's role in the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo? What will their role be?

6. Who is Captain Leroy and what kind of relationship does Sharpe have with him?

7. What happens to Sharpe's and Teresa's relationship when the army leaves for Badajoz? Where will Teresa be staying in Badajoz? Upon what is she counting on from Sharpe?

8. What do Hogan and Sharpe discuss when they get together and what is Hogan's opinion of taking Badajoz?

9. What does Sharpe do right after the conclusion of the battle at Ciudad Rodrigo?

10. Describe Hakeswill's first encounter with Teresa in the stables.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze one major theme of RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ. Consider the following: How does one character's actions portray the theme you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme"? If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

2. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ. How does one character's actions portray the themes you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to those themes? Is each theme one that you would call a "universal theme"? If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

3. What benefit is there in discussing and analyzing the themes of a work of fiction? Do you think most authors consciously develop themes in their works? Why or why not? Can there be accidental themes? What do you think is one possible "accidental" theme in RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ? Which theme in RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ speaks to you the most in your life? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Honor is an important concept in RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ and in the life of those in the upper class during that era. It is assumed that those who are officer's and gentlemen would keep their word after offering it.

1. Trace and analyze the theme of honor in RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ. What do you think Richard Sharpe would tell you is the definition of honor if you ask him? How about Harper? Windham? Do you think honor can be restored if it is lost? Did Windham restore his honor by giving Harper the gold coin? What about when he publicly apologized?

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 RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ and other books/films, etc... that you have read or experienced.

3. During the era in which Richard Sharpe lives, men could give their word on the basis of being a gentleman and it is 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.

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Essay Topic 3

Richard Sharpe is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't always succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Sharpe who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person. Illustrate your statements with examples from the text.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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