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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 tell the riflemen to do that is not part of the plan?

2. What does Harper say to Sharpe immediately when he answers Sharpe's summons?

3. What does Sharpe hear right before the cazadores enter the town?

4. From what do the riflemen have to defend the French prisoners?

5. Where do the riflemen go after they are gathered together?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Louisa tell Sharpe when they meet in the palace and what does Sharpe figure out from what she says?

2. What news do local bandits bring and what is Vivar's response to their news?

3. What is the legend about the gonfalon?

4. Why is Sharpe going into the palace?

5. What does Vivar want the riflemen to do and what does Sharpe do?

6. How do the townspeople react to the British and Spanish attacking?

7. What do Harper and Sharpe discuss and what does Harper tell Sharpe?

8. How does Sharpe feel about Louisa being gone and what does Vivar tell Sharpe about her absence?

9. What does Sharpe ask Vivar about the riflemen and what is Vivar's response? How does Sharpe answer him?

10. Why does Vivar come to Sharpe in the tavern, how does Sharpe act?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Honor is a very important concept in Sharpe's Rifles and in the life of those in the upper class during that era. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of honor in Sharpe's Rifles. What do you think Sharpe would tell you is the definition of honor if you ask him? Do you think honor can be restored if it is lost?

2. Respond to the following statement using specific examples from the book and your own experience: Honor is one of the most important character traits for anyone in any social strata. First fully define the concept of honor, then discuss whether you believe the preceding statement is true with specific examples from Sharpe's Rifles and other books/films and other media that you have read or experienced.

3. During the era in which Sharpe lives, men could give their word on the basis of being a gentleman and it was assumed to be true. There was no such concept for a lady or anyone of lower social/economic groups. Fully discuss the implications in a society where only gentlemen are considered trustworthy enough to give their word unquestioned.

Essay Topic 2

Sharpe's Rifles, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Sharpe's Rifles and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Sharpe's Rifles is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Choose two of the following and compare and contrast the two people. Include in the discussion their type of leadership, their personality, their morals and whether you would like to serve under them.

1. Sharpe and Vivar.

2. Harper and Willams.

3. Vivar and de l'Eclin.

(see the answer keys)

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