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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 was the real cause of the explosion?

2. For what does Sharpe say the gold is going to used?

3. How does Sharpe feel after talking to Cox?

4. What will happen if the French troops have to remain near the lines?

5. What does Sharpe say he must do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scene between Cox and Sharpe about the gold and Sharpe's men.

2. What of the Lines of Torres Vedras?

3. What does Sharpe say to Hogan and what is Hogan's response?

4. What is written about the historical Almeida?

5. Describe Teresa and Sharpe's conversation while they are in bed?

6. Describe the Lines of Torres Vedras.

7. How does Sharpe discover that the French are nearby when Sharpe's company approaches the Coa River?

8. Describe the fight between Sharpe and El Catolico.

9. How is Sharpe faring with the wound he receives?

10. Describe the interaction between Sharpe and Garrard.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 El Catolico. Include their goals, sense of honor, abilities, and social skills.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Wellington and Cox.

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 2

Oftentimes, a book is more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character-driven or action-driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character-driven versus action-driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think Sharpe's Gold is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

Sharpe's Gold, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Sharpe's Gold and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Sharpe's Gold is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. State what you think are three characteristics of a successful novel and whether or not Sharpe's Gold in your opinion is a successful novel.

(see the answer keys)

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