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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 Ducos do to his forces?

2. Why does Harper travel to London?

3. How does Sharpe feel about Lucille's estate?

4. What type of work does Ducos do for France?

5. What type of cannon does Ducos purchase for his location?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Calvet and Sharpe plan to avoid the Cardinal's men?

2. Describe the fight at Ducos' defensive room.

3. What does Calvet do while Sharpe is implementing his plan and how does it all end?

4. Why does Lucille write to Roland?

5. Why did Lucille's gun wound Sharpe so badly and what is involved for him because of that?

6. How does Frederickson feel about Lucille, what does Sharpe suggest and what happens when he follows Sharpe's suggestion?

7. What does d'Alembord do in London as far as Jane is concerned in Chapter 10? How does Jane appear to him?

8. Where does Frederickson go to find Ducos and how does that work out?

9. What does Calvet do in Naples first?

10. What does Sharpe do when Frederickson sends for him and what does Lucille reveal to her doctor and friends?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 Wars affect the social culture of one of the following countries: Britian, France, or Germany.

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 this book 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

Though this novel is probably more action driven rather than character driven, obviously there are several characters who make the novel what it is. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Sharpe and Ducos. Include their goals, sense of honor, abilities and social skills.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Harper and Rossendale.

3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Richard Sharpe discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.

(see the answer keys)

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