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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. Where do Harper and Sharpe go after several weeks on the island?

2. In what condition is Marriott found?

3. What accompanies the work parties that go off the island?

4. Who is presented as slightly confused but enthusiastic about military matters?

5. To whom does Girdwood hand over the new recruits?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are a couple of irregularities Sharpe notices about the recruiting Havercamp is doing?

2. What does Nairn suggest Sharpe should do and why?

3. Who travels with Sharpe to England and what do they find at the second battalion depot?

4. Describe John Lynch, the training sergeant and his particular dislike.

5. What happens that makes Sharpe believe he can straighten out the problem with the second battalion?

6. Why does Sharpe walk to a poor rookery? What is Sharpe's connection to it?

7. When Sharpe presented at the royal gala, how does Sharpe present himself and how does the Prince feel about Sharpe?

8. What does Sharpe decide is the best course of action following his encounter in the city? How do he and Harper live?

9. What does Jane tell him about the system for the recruits there and what does she say she will do?

10. What does Anne tell Fenner and why?

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 Regiment 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

The recruiting sergeant is a bluff, likable man who tells ridiculous, grandiose lies and draws in many unsuspecting recruits. Of course his entire spiel is lies, but even Sharpe admires Havercamp's ability to spin military enlistment as something desirable and exciting.

1. Do you think someone who lies as much as Havercamp does can also be a likable person? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own experience to support your answer.

2. Most people have known someone who has joined the armed forces and inevitably hear the complaint that his/her recruiter lied. Discuss the concept that a recruiter lying isn't really wrong since everyone knows recruiters lie.

3. Compare and contrast the tactics of a military recruiter to a sales person, for example, one selling a used car.

Essay Topic 3

The military way of life is in and of itself similar to a distinct culture. Understanding how the military is organized, how it operates, and its basic rules of conduct will make any novel that centers on the military more understandable and enjoyable. Discuss one of the following:

1. Describe and analyze the military structure during the time of Sharpe's Regiment. What is rank? What is the difference between officers and enlisted men? How serious is it to disobey an order? What happens if one decides he does not like being in the military and walks away? How are men conscripted? Does the infantry have a similar means of augmenting their ranks as the maritime action called "impressments"?

2. Compare the infantry of Sharpe's Regiment to that in modern times for the United States, England or France. What are the similarities? The differences? Are the changes from those times improvements? Why or why not? (This question will require some research).

3. Discuss why you think the military has the following: Uniforms, a rank structure of Officers and Enlisted, Strict Discipline, Training for New Recruits, Court Martial, and Different types of companies (i.e., rifle, Cavalry, artillery, etc). Discuss why you think men (and nowadays women) choose to become professional soldiers.

(see the answer keys)

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