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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. Who does Sharpe speak to at Skovaard's warehouse?

2. What is the person in the chair on the lawn doing?

3. What do Sharpe and some others make?

4. Who is in charge of the British troops according to a discussion between General Castenschiold and an aide?

5. Who has been tortured?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Skovaard when Sharpe rescues him and where does Sharpe take him?

2. What is the conversation between Lavisser and Barker about the damage to Lavisser's house?

3. Why do Gordon, Pumphrey and Baird decide to write a commendation for Sharpe?

4. Who takes a liking to Sharpe among the Danish citizens and how does Sharpe save the man's life?

5. What does Sharpe ask of Chase and what is Chase's response?

6. What does Pumphrey say to Sharpe about his Army career and how does Pumphrey imply that Sharpe should cooperate?

7. What transpires between Astrid and Sharpe concerning their relationship?

8. Who does Sharpe see sleeping on a chair and how does he deduce who she is?

9. Where does Sharpe go with Astrid and how does it affect him?

10. Describe the conversation among Sharpe, Captain Gordon and Pumphrey.

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", 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

There are a number of literary elements that occur in many works of fiction. Irony is a means of increasing both the humor and the complexity of a story. Cornwell often includes irony in his Richard Sharpe series. Point of view is the way the story is narrated; all works of fiction have a point of view. Conflict is almost always present in a work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary terms irony, point of view and conflict.

2. Identify two instances of irony in "Sharpe's Prey", offering examples from the text.

3. Identify the point of view of the novel and discuss why you think Cornwell chooses to use that particular point of view. Does the point of view seem to be the best one for "Sharpe's Prey"? Why or why not.

4. Identfiy two major conflicts in "Sharpe's Prey". Are the conflicts completely resolved by the end of "Sharpe's Prey"? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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