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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. From what country is Captain Leroy?

2. How was the breach in the wall of Ciudad Rodrigo caused?

3. How long has it been since Sharpe has seen Teresa?

4. What relationship does Sharpe think about when with Teresa?

5. What was Hakeswill charged with when he was young?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Sharpe's back scarred?

2. What is Sharpe's new assignment he receives from Windham and what does he ask Windham? How does Windham respond?

3. Why is Sharpe worried following the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in Chapter 5?

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

5. What happens in Chapter 1 when night falls and what does Lawford send Sharpe and his company to do?

6. 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?

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

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

9. What guerrilla rider approaches Sharpe and what does she tell him? What does she look like?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Usually the women in this series are background to the men and tend to fit a stereotype of women in this era of history. This book has a different type of woman, Teresa Morgan, who is a guerrilla soldier and leader of her riders.

1. Present and analyze the treatment of women in RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ.

2. Cornwell is trying to be historically accurate, so is his treatment of women in his book(s) justified?

3. Is there any way Cornwell could have presented women in a more positive light and still stayed historically accurate? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Much of the writing consists of a brutal and graphic description of the mass rape and pillaging that transpires in Badajoz after the British assault. The Historical Note points out that the outrage was historical and far more vicious than typical for the time. The novel seeks to explore possible reasons behind the violent outburst and does so with some success.

1. Why do you think the outrage at Badajoz was worst than usual for that time period? Use examples from Richard Sharpe and the Siege of Badajoz and any historical data you find through research to support your answer.

2. With some research into the issue, discuss why you think men commit rape so often in battle field situations.

3. Do you think men have evolved to the point of not raping in battle field situations or do you think the reason it doesn't happen to the same extent as in Sharpe's era is because the military has better control over its men? Explain your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

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