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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 Hakeswill get free of the dungeon?

2. What does Dubreton do when he comes up to Sharpe?

3. How do the French feel about the British?

4. What does Sharpe do when the French are fifty yards from the trench?

5. What does Dubreton return to Sharpe after the cease fire?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Hakeswill when the French arrive?

2. What is the French's response to Sharpe's machinations?

3. What happens after the French retreat?

4. How does Sharpe deploy the rocket artillery and what is the result of the use of them?

5. What does Farthingdale announce at the council of war?

6. What do the French ask for after the British rocket attack?

7. What are the first actions Sharpe takes after the war council?

8. What do Sharpe and Harper do when the British attack is faltering?

9. How do the French respond after the first two attacks?

10. What do the British do when they capture the castle and what do some of Pot-au-Fea's men do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 blackmails Farthingdale about Josefina in order to obtain command of the forces. 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 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 Ducos. 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

Most of the entire series of novels concerning Richard Sharpe takes place during the Napoleonic Wars; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of this book and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the battles that take place on land between Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British infantry during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British infantry during either WWI or WWII.

4. Write an expository essay on how the Napoleonic War affects the social culture of one of the following countries: Britian, France, or Germany.

(see the answer keys)

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