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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 threaten to cut off?

2. Why do Sharpe, Teresa, and Harper get in the bread ovens?

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

4. What does Lawford reveal?

5. Where is Sharpe shot?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Lossow happy?

2. What happens before the telegraph can be sent?

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

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

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

6. Who is causing Sharpe problems about moving the gold on to Wellington?

7. Describe Almeida.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and Richard Sharpe is no exception. Sharpe's legendary powers of military strategy is juxtaposed with his reputation as a womanizer. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze situations when Sharpe demonstrates his prodigious powers of military strategy. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze Sharpe's character flaws offering specific examples of these flaws in your discussion.

3. Discuss how you think Sharpe's admirable traits helped him obtain a high rank in the military despite his background as a child. Have his flaws impacted his career at all? Do any of those under his command seem to notice these flaws? Who? How does the reader know this?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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