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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. With what does Sharpe patch his uniform pants?

2. Where are Sharpe and Harper standing at the opening of the novel?

3. Who does Lucille decide is responsible for what happens to Henri and her mother?

4. How does Frederickson act after being told the charges?

5. What are the fishermen in the waters beneath Sharpe heaving over their boats?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Henri Lassan do after the war?

2. What is Jane doing in London while Sharpe is still in France? What happens to her because of this?

3. How does Sharpe respond to Jane's demands in the Prologue?

4. What do the British at Toulouse learn after the battle about Napoleon?

5. With whom does Sharpe duel and why?

6. What does Napoleon do when he is worried about failure and who does he use to help him?

7. Who leads the Nairn men into battle and what does he realize?

8. What does Lassan's mother want him to do and how does he feel about it?

9. What does Peter d'Alembord do with Shape and his companions?

10. What type of situation does Sharpe's group find at Bordeaux?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel presents one pimp actively recruiting women as whores amidst rampant poverty and imminent mass starvation. Thrown into this mix are many disabled French veterans and various displaced persons. The end of the war has not brought an end to the humanitarian crisis.

1. Compare the situation with the ravages of war in Bordeaux to a modern day refugee camp. How are they similar? How are they different?

2. In view of the aftermath of war, discuss the various groups of people in a country who are affected by war and its aftermath besides the members of the military.

3. Given the fact that war usually has no redeeming value and that all the people in a country are affected by war, not just the members of the military, discuss what you believe are the reasons the average person still responds when the government calls for war.

Essay Topic 2

Jane again calls on Rossendale and it becomes apparent that they are romantically involved and somewhat intimate. Indeed, much of London admires Rossendale for his bravery in the matter as it is widely assumed that Sharpe will return and kill the man before discarding Jane.

1. Why do you think Rossendale would risk his life to be involved with Jane? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Rossendale is a titled individual, meaning he is a Lord in British society. Discuss whether you believe Rossendale would be involved with Jane if he was a commoner and why you have the opinion you have. Use examples from the book to support your answer.

3. Jane has money and no title; Rossendale has a title and no money. Discuss the ways in which both of them are using the other. Use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Sharpe, despite his background, is an officer and a gentleman and is therefore accorded more respect and trust even in enemy territory than the common soldier. Discuss the following:

1. Does it seem likely that officers are usually more respectable than enlisted men back then? What about today? Why or why not.

2. Sharpe has begun an affair with another woman while still married to Jane. Do you think this is how an officer and gentleman comports himself? Why or why not.

3. In the present military in the United States, both officers and enlisted can be held for court martial for adultery or having sexual relations with someone of inferior rank. Why do you think this is so? Do you agree with the policy?

(see the answer keys)

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