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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 is Badajoz located?

2. What is Sharpe's assignment at the beginning of the assault on Badajoz?

3. What does Sharpe say when Hogan tells him of the plan for assaulting the dam?

4. What do the British learn in Chapter 23 that makes them delay the assault for a day?

5. What do the British decide they must do with the flooded plain?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the fortifications of Badajoz.

2. What does Rymer say about his blotched mission, what does he decide to do and what does Sharpe do in response?

3. What does Harper do after Sharpe retreats from the dam? What do they find out?

4. What does Sharpe say when Hogan informs him of the plan for the dam and what is the plan?

5. What is Sharpe doing at the beginning of the assault on Badajoz?

6. What has the French built across the Rivillas Stream and what do the British do about it?

7. Why does Wellington decide Badajoz has to be taken immediately?

8. What does Sharpe find when he returns to the baggage train, why is Windham angry and what is the conclusion about the incident?

9. What is foreshadowed in Sharpe's humiliation of Hakeswill?

10. What is Robert Knowles doing at the beginning of the attack and who does he think about when planning his actions?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

The military way of life is in and of itself similar to a distinct culture. Understanding how the military is organized, how it operates, and its basic rules of conduct will make any novel that centers on the military more understandable and enjoyable. Discuss one of the following:

1. Describe and analyze the military structure during the time of RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ. What is rank? What is the difference between officers and enlisted men? How serious is it to disobey an order? What happens if one decides he does not like being in the military and walks away? How are men conscripted? Does the infantry have a similar means of augmenting their ranks as the maritime action called "impressments"?

2. Compare the infantry of RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ to that in modern times in for the United States, England or France. What are the similarities? The differences? Are the changes from those times improvements? Why or why not? (This question will require some research).

3. Discuss why you think the military has the following: Uniforms, a rank structure of Officers and Enlisted, Strict Discipline, Training for New Recruits, Court Martial, and Different types of companies (i.e., rifle, Cavalry, artillery, etc). Discuss why you think men (and nowadays women) choose to become professional soldiers.

(see the answer keys)

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