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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. What action by Rymer does Sharpe stop after the dam mission?

2. Where is Sharpe assigned following the mission at the dam?

3. What does Windham do to Harper?

4. What do the British do when the weather clears in Chapter 17?

5. Where are six external fortresses placed in Badajoz?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What do the British forces begin to do when they arrive at Badajoz and what makes their tasks more difficult?

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

4. What happens to Sharpe as he retreats from the dam?

5. What do the British troops do after the weather clears in Chapter 17 and what do they decide about the plain?

6. How are the French able to kill so many of the British, what does that cause and how does Sharpe feel as he watches?

7. How is Badajoz finally taken?

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

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

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

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

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

The first assaulting group, known as the forlorn hope, leads the assault through the breach. Generally, the forlorn hope is slaughtered to a man. Because of this, the forlorn hope is manned only by volunteers and any survivor is automatically granted an increase in rank.

1. Discuss Sharpe volunteering for the forlorn hope at both Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. Why do you think he keeps doing that? Use examples from Richard Sharpe and the Siege of Badajoz to support your answer.

2. What does it say about someone's character that he is willing to risk almost certain death for a promotion? Use examples from RICHARD SHARPE AND THE SIEGE OF BADAJOZ to support your answer.

3. Do you think using only volunteers for forlorn hope is good? Does that seem to be more humanitarian than most of the other ideas in this era?

(see the answer keys)

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