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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's former friend say about Hocking?

2. Why does Sharpe avoid the first town he comes to?

3. Why does Sharpe stay in the wagon as it starts moving?

4. What does Sharpe buy from a sailor on the ship?

5. What does Sharpe doubt?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the initial communication between Captain Willsen and John Lavisser.

2. What is the reason for the mission to Copenhagen?

3. How does Sharpe escape confinement and what frightens him about his escape means?

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

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

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

7. How is Sharpe tricked and what does he do?

8. What does Sharpe do and think after fleeing Wapping Steps.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the conclusion of a novel, most readers either consciously or unconsciously engage in processing the book and usually come to a conclusion as to whether they like the book or not. Discuss one of the following:

1. Would you consider "Sharpe's Prey" a "good" book? Why or why not? Use examples to illustrate your stance.

2. What do you think are the elements of an outstanding novel? Analyze one of your favorite novels to see if those elements are present.

3. What are some reasons you might consider a novel a failure? Analyze a novel you think is a failure and see if those elements are in that novel.

Essay Topic 2

"Sharpe's Prey" is one book in a series of novels involving Richard Sharpe. Discuss the following.

1. What are two advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Illustrate your statements with details from the text.

2. What is a disadvantage of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Illustrate your statements with details from the text.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

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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