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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. For what would Sharpe use quicklime?

2. What does Sharpe do when he sees Bampfylde?

3. Why is Sharpe anger at himself?

4. On what does Calvet concentrate his fire?

5. What do Sharpe's men do when they reach the main British encampment?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do both Calvet and Sharpe realize about the assaults on the fortress and how it will end.

2. What does Sharpe and his men ambush?

3. What does colonel Favier ask Sharpe and what is his reply?

4. What occurs during the exchange between Calvet and Killick?

5. Describe General Calvet and what type of military leader is he?

6. What type of crime was committed in the town and what happens to the perpetrator?

7. What do the French do on their first assault on the fortress?

8. What is the first town to which Sharpe and his men come and what is there?

9. What happens when the French first arrive at the fort and how does Calvet respond to it?

10. What do Sharpe and Frederickson think about their situation and what troubles Sharpe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

RSM Harper's request to accompany Sharpe begins one of the more risible minor plot arcs presented in the narrative. Discuss the following:

RSM Harper's request to accompany Sharpe begins one of the more risible minor plot arcs presented in the narrative. Discuss the following:

1. What is meant by the term "comic relief?" Why do you think an author interjects comic relief into a story? Is it necessary?

2. Thoroughly discuss the situation with Harper and explain how the situation could be considered comic relief. Do you find it a humorous situation?

3. Why does Harper have to go to such extremes to effect his accompaniment of Sharpe's regiment? What would have happened to Harper had he just gone along with the riflemen after Sharpe told him no? Why do you think Sharpe is so angry to see Harper even though Sharpe greatly respects Harper's ability as a soldier? Would Sharpe have had to be the one to effect punishment against Harper?

Essay Topic 2

Richard Sharpe is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in this book and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, is a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet" or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't always succeed more admirable?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Sharpe who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person. Illustrate your statements with examples from the text.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Honor is an important concept in Sharpe's Siege and in the life of those in the upper class during that era. It is assumed that those who are officer's and gentlemen would keep their word after offering it.

1. Trace and analyze the theme of honor in Sharpe's Siege. What do you think Richard Sharpe would tell you is the definition of honor if you ask him? How about Fredrickson? Bampfylde? Do you think honor can be restored if it is lost? When Frederickson extends his word of honor that the Americans will be treated fairly, why does Sharpe take Fredrickson's word seriously? Why does Sharpe believe Killick's word that he will no longer engage the British if set free?

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 Siege and other books/films, etc... that you have read or experienced.

3. During the era in which Richard Sharpe lives, men could give their word on the basis of being a gentleman and it is 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.

(see the answer keys)

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