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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 captures one of the bastions?

2. How is the entire first forlorn hope killed?

3. What guards the dam across the Rivillas Stream?

4. How does the British mount an attack on the dam?

5. What does Hakeswill begin to do that makes him appear insane?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where does Teresa's family live in Badajoz?

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

4. What does Wellington call, why is Sharpe present and what does Sharpe request? How does Wellington respond to Sharpe's request?

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

6. What does Windham do to Harper and what do Harper and Sharpe talk about before the event?

7. Why do the British delay the assault one more day in Chapter 23?

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

9. What is Hakeswill doing while the British prepare for the assault of Badajoz and what do the men think about him?

10. Describe the fortifications of Badajoz.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

Lawford's injury is serious but not fatal, thanks to Sharpe's immediate intervention. The scene where Sharpe severs Lawford's ruined arm is graphic.

1. Compare/contrast the medical remedies used in RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ to that which would be done in our modern world.

2. Many wars are partially, if not completely, determined by factors other than the actual fighting. One of those factors is disease. Research and discuss how epidemics/pandemics have influenced the outcome of three different wars throughout history.

3. Discuss why men died so readily of wounds in RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ that would be easily treated today.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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