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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. Why can't the Spanish observers see the prisoner being hung?

2. What is the result of what Sharpe did to the French in Chapter 1?

3. In Chapter 3 what does Harper think Sharpe might do that worries Harper?

4. What does Leroy want Sharpe to buy?

5. What does the condemned man do when the noose is put around his neck?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe what the Spanish see during Sharpe's supposed execution.

2. Why is el Matarife at an inn near the Convent of the Heavens and what does he do about Wellington's request?

3. What evidence does Major Vaughn use against Sharpe and what does he say is Sharpe's motivation? How does Sharpe respond to the Major's suppositions?

4. What is d'Alembord doing to help Sharpe with his duel, what has he done in secret and how did Sharpe's last duel end?

5. Why can't Wellington execute Sharpe and what does Hogan tell Sharpe about his mission?

6. Who is La Marquesa and what is her nationality?

7. What is the Marques and Father Hacha discussing in Chapter Five? What does the Marques say about his wife?

8. How do Sharpe and Angel get past the ambush with La Marquesa?

9. What is Sharpe observing in Chapter Ten and what does he think about his horse?

10. What does Sharpe do when he first arrives at the convent where Helene is being held?

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

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Harper and Angel.

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

Sharpe accepts the challenge of the duel not only because he is bored, but because he feels he needs to redeem himself somehow. Perhaps by fighting the duel he can erase the mistakes of his past, honor his dead wife, and give himself some peace all at once.

1. Sharpe will participate in a dangerous duel because he feels guilty about his wife. How do you think guilt and reckless behavior are related? Use examples from the book and your own experience to support your answer.

2. Discuss some of the behaviors that teenagers in modern America might have because of feelings of guilt. How efficient do you think these behaviors are in erasing guilt?

3. Discuss constructive actions or behaviors a person might use or do in order to assuage guilt. Would any of these be available to Sharpe? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Sharpe's Honour, 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 Honour and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Sharpe's Honour 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 Honour in your opinion is a successful novel.

(see the answer keys)

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