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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 does Sharpe notice as he leaves his sleeping quarters?

2. Where do the hill fortifications run?

3. Why are Wellington and Hogan looking at a map?

4. What do the Partisans do?

5. Why does Sharpe also give Teresa his own rifle?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why will the Lines of Torres Vedras stop the French?

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

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

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

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

7. Describe Almeida.

8. Describe the interaction between Sharpe and Garrard.

9. What are the losses and who lives after the explosion?

10. What is written about the historical Almeida?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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: Britain, France, or Germany.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Sharpe's Gold.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Sharpe's Gold. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Sharpe's Honour. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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