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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 happens to Girdwood after the assault?

2. What does Sharpe tell Lawford?

3. What kind of books does Sharpe look at from Simmerson's estate?

4. Who is William Lawford?

5. What does Lawford want for Sharpe?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Anne tell Sharpe and how does Sharpe feel about her information?

2. What do Sharpe and his group do after Girdwood runs?

3. What does Sharpe do with the men at Foulness after he sets up the new command structure?

4. How does Sharpe reorganize the command structure at Foulness?

5. What does Sharpe do with the men of the second battalion?

6. What are the results of the negotiations between Anne and Fenner?

7. What does Fenner do when Anne confronts him about Sharpe's arrest?

8. What does Sharpe do when Girdwood runs?

9. What does Jane tell Sharpe about her personally?

10. How does Jane's mission to obtain the accounting books turn out and how does she feel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The conclusion of Chapter 19 finds Sharpe at his lowest ebb--he has "solved" the mystery of his missing men but has also fallen into the hands of his enemies, is under official arrest, and is powerless to effect change. At this point, he appears entirely subject to the whims of Fenner, who plans to send him away under official condemnation.

1. There is a saying in writing circles that for good conflict one needs to: "put a character out on a limb then keep making the limb weaker and weaker." Discuss this idea in relationship to the chronological events that puts Sharpe under arrest and powerless.

2. Discuss what you believe are the emotional, psychological and physical reactions to being powerless and how a person might mitigate some of those reactions. Include in your discussion the harm or benefit one might derive from being powerless.

3. Sharpe is powerless. Most people find themselves in situations in life in which they are powerless. Discuss some lessons one could learn from being powerless. Use examples from the text and your own experience to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Most of the entire series of novels concerning Richard Sharpe takes place during the Napoleonic Wars; therefore, understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of this book and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the battles that take place on land between Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars.

3. Compare/contrast the importance of the British infantry during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British infantry during either WWI or WWII.

4. Write an expository essay on how the Napoleonic War affects the social culture of one of the following countries: Britain, France, or Germany.

Essay Topic 3

Sharpe becomes entangled with Anne Camoynes in a sexual liaison and fails to question her motives for so engaging him. Anne indeed works as a spy and agent for Fenner and gathers information about Sharpe during their sexual escapade.

1. Why do you think Sharpe doesn't question Anne's motives in becoming involved with him? Use examples from the text and your own experience to support your answer.

2. It seems that to make Sharpe not question or see Anne's motives is a stretch of credibility. He was raised basically on the streets and has been in the military for many years. Discuss what you believe are the reasons a reader might believe Sharpe could be that gullible. Do you think the author should have addressed this weakness? Use examples from the text and your own experience to support your answer.

3. Anne hates Fenner yet reports to him Sharpe's stance on the second battalion and on his determination to pursue the issue. Discuss the conflicts in Anne's character and the lack of congruence between her emotions and her behavior. Use examples from the text and your own experience to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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