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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 does Sharpe think is on the roof?

2. What does Cox say should be done with the gold?

3. How does Sharpe feel after talking to Cox?

4. Who actually gets in a bread oven?

5. What did the French not expect?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Sharpe shock both his men and the Partisans?

2. What does it say about the cause of the explosion and who got in a bread oven?

3. Why is Kearsey angry with Sharpe and what is Sharpe's response?

4. Describe the interaction between Sharpe and Garrard.

5. What is Sharpe's plan for blowing up Almeida?

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

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

8. What is Teresa learning and from whom?

9. Why does Sharpe think there is no hope for his company and who saves them?

10. Describe what happens in the explosion attempt.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Politics and manipulation influence much of what happens in Sharpe's Gold. Discuss one of the following:

1. Describe the political situation in Sharpe's Gold and how it impacts the actions of three of the major characters.

2. Discuss and analyze several people who try to manipulate Sharpe and his responses to them.

3. Discuss how and why Cox's behavior is related to politics and why his behavior is an example of manipulation. Use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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. It is assumed that he will return with the gold intact.

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 has begun an affair with Teresa, a woman he ostensibly is holding as a hostage. 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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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