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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 Captain Dunnett say is the penalty for stealing from the Danes?

2. Who does Skovaard say the woman is who is with Lavisser?

3. What happened to Grace?

4. When does Baird want Sharpe to do what he has asked?

5. Who does Sharpe say he is seeking?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sharpe realize when he is hiding in the dunes, and who is searching for him?

2. Who does Sharpe see when waiting on Hocking and what do they talk about?

3. How does Sharpe get to Copenhagen?

4. Who is Lavisser and how does he act in the carriage as they are riding to the docks?

5. What does Captain Dunnett announce to his troops concerning stealing from the Danes. and who appears to have already done so?

6. How does Sharpe rescue Skovaard?

7. Where does Sharpe find Astrid and what does he do?

8. Describe the encounter between Sharpe and Barker.

9. Describe the murder of Captain Willsen.

10. Why is Richard Sharpe angry about his commission and how did he get a commission?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are three "villains" in "Sharpe's Prey". Lavisser is a fanatical patriot, Barker seems to be self-serving and Madame Visser is a French spy.

1. Explain, with examples from the text, what you see are the main motivations behind Barker's behavior. If he lived in America today with what crimes do you think he would be charged?

2. Lavisser is a "villain" who does not seem to be motivated by self-interest. Discuss why or why not you believe this statement to be true. Use examples from "Sharpe's Prey" to support and illustrate your opinion.

3. Do you think crimes or immoral behavior motivated by good intentions is more pardonable than that motivated by self-interests? Why or why not? Use examples from "Sharpe's Prey" to support and illustrate your opinion.

Essay Topic 2

"Sharpe's Prey", 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 or good 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 Prey" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Sharpe's Prey" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Richard Sharpe is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in "Sharpe's Prey" and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't always succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Sharpe who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person. Illustrate your statements with examples from the text.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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