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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. Where do the hill fortifications run?

2. What does Sharpe think has to be done to the Fortress of Almeida?

3. What do the Lossow and Sharpe plan to do after resting?

4. About what does Sharpe ask at the telegraph office?

5. Why can't the French go around the Lines of Torres Vedras?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happens when Sharpe goes to the telegraph station and who is he with?

3. What happens to Teresa?

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

5. What are some of the problems the British seem to be having?

6. Why is Lossow happy?

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

8. What of the Lines of Torres Vedras?

9. What happens before the telegraph can be sent?

10. Describe the fight between Sharpe and El Catolico.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sharpe's Gold is one book in a series of novels involving Richard Sharpe. Discuss the following.

1. What are two advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Illustrate your statements with details from the text.

2. What is a disadvantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Illustrate your statements with details from the text.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

Many events that happen in Sharpe's gold are foreshadowed by previous events and/or signs. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "foreshadow."

2. Why would an author use foreshadowing? Do you think it adds or detracts from your experience as a reader? Explain.

3. Trace and analyze five instances of foreshadowing in Sharpe's Gold. Match up what is mentioned earlier and what it foreshadows. Did you guess that each instance of foreshadowing was a "heads up" of something to come? Why or why not.

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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