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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 is Willsen surprised to encounter Lavisser?

2. What is Willsen's main concern about where he and Lavisser are going?

3. What does Baird say will ensure Sharpe of advancement?

4. What does Sharpe do with the soldier's horse after killing the soldier?

5. Where is Astrid?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Sharpe tell Hocking he wants and what is Hocking's response?

4. How does Sharpe manage to get some weapons for himself on the boat?

5. Describe Sharpe's encounter with Hocking when Hocking brings Sharpe a young girl.

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

7. Describe the approach of the British ships to the Danish shore.

8. How does Sharpe get to Copenhagen?

9. Why is Sharpe in his present circumstances?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Sharpe's Prey". Consider the following: How does one character's actions portray the theme you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme"? If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

2. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Sharpe's Prey". How does one character's actions portray the themes you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to those themes? Is each theme one that you would call a "universal theme"? If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

3. What benefit is there in discussing and analyzing the themes of a work of fiction? Do you think most authors consciously develop themes in their works? Why or why not? Can there be accidental themes? What do you think is one possible "accidental" theme in "Sharpe's Prey"? Which theme in "Sharpe's Prey" speaks to you the most in your life? Why?

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