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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 think of the recent battle?

2. What is the month and year at the opening of Sharpe's Regiment?

3. Who are Dick Vaughn and Paddy O'Keefe?

4. From where is the recruiter reimbursed for the costs of the drinks he buys potential recruits?

5. What does Sharpe tell Jane?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where do Harper and Sharpe go and why do they receive attention? How do Sharpe and Harper feel about the attention?

2. Of what units does the South Essex consist and what is the function of each of those units? What seems to be the problem with one of the units?

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

4. What happens when Sharpe asks the Prince about the second battalion?

5. What does Sharpe think of the battle that ended immediately proceeding the start of this novel and how did the battle come out for the English?

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

7. How does Sharpe rescue Harper?

8. Where is Sharpe sent on a work party and what does he take the time to do?

9. Where does Sharpe meet Jane Gibbons when at Simmerson and what do they do?

10. Who is in charge of the training camp Havercamp takes them to and what is he like as a commander?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sharpe rather naively believes the situation with second battalion will be easily rectified simply by bringing it to the attention of the authorities. His initial plan is to simply lay the matter before the Prince of Wales and let that august person propose a solution.

1. Do you think it is conceivable that a man who has been in the military as long as Sharpe has could be so naive about political power? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own experience to support your answer.

2. Discuss what might be the similarities and differences between Sharpe's efforts and the efforts one might make in America today when trying to bring a wrong to the attention of a legislator or governor. Use examples from the text and your own experience to support your answer.

3. Discuss what you see are the similarities and differences between the politicians in Sharpe's Regiment and America today. Use examples from the text and your own experience to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Cornwell has tried as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Sharpe's Regiment qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Crimping, while common, is illegal and obviously quite lucrative. Fenner and Simmerson have profited greatly from their scheme, as has Girdwood, but to a lesser degree. The three men are influential, powerful, and unlikely to give up this lucrative source of income easily.

1. Discuss the possible motives and benefits to being involved in a lucrative but illegal activity. Include in your discussion whether the benefits are worth the possible consequences and if the damage to one's character is worth the benefits. Use examples from the text and your own experience to support your answer.

2. The three men involved in the recruiting scheme are influential and powerful. Do you believe it is easier for that type of person to get away with criminal activity than the average person? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own experience to support your answer.

3. After research, compare Fenner to a modern day American politician who has been cited for a scandal while in office. Use examples from the text and your own experience to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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