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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. How does Sharpe pass his time in Spain in Chapter 1?

2. Why is Sharpe's back heavily scarred?

3. Why does Sharpe think his future is doubtful?

4. What do Hogan and Sharpe first discuss when they meet in Chapter 1?

5. What is Lawford's status in British society?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What does Sharpe do with his guerrilla friend?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Chapter 22 portrayal of Hakeswill foreshadows the concluding action of the novel and is also a chilling reminder of the dehumanizing power of armed conflict. Hakeswill is amoral and criminally insane, but quite competent as a soldier and capable as a sergeant.

1. Do you think Hakeswill became criminally insane due to combat? Why or why not? Use examples from RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ.

2. Hakeswill was hung for a crime before he joined the military but he survived the hanging. With research, explain why he was allowed to go free after surviving being hung.

3. If Hakeswill lived in modern America do you think he would be able to be found guilty by reason of insanity? Why or why not? Do you think he should be found innocent by reason of insanity? Why or why not?

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

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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