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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 motivated Teresa to becomes a soldier?

2. What does Sharpe say he did not see?

3. Who is Mr. MacKeon?

4. Who does Ducos ask for help?

5. What does Price say about Teresa?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Sharpe's mission in relation to Major Tubbs and why does he take his mission seriously?

2. Describe General Jean Herault.

3. What is Major Tubbs' response to hearing the French may come to San Miguel and what does Sharpe say to Tubbs?

4. How does Sharpe scare Tubbs about a woman riding with a group of rebels and why is it funny?

5. Describe the setting and mission for Captain Richard Sharpe.

6. What does the author say about "Sharpe's Skirmish" in his introduction to the story?

7. What does Herault suggest as a tactic for taking San Miguel?

8. Who is Major Tubbs supervising and what is his mission?

9. What does Sharpe order Lieutenant Price to do and why?

10. What does Harper say about Major Tubbs when asked by Sharpe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of manipulation and power in "Sharpe's Skirmish". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with manipulation and power? Why? What are some symbols of manipulation and power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of war in "Sharpe's Skirmish". Why is Britain engaged in a war? What are some symbols of war that occur in the book? Is the war justified? Does Aubrey and his crew perform with honor as warriors? Do you think their behavior to the enemy would be in accordance with the Geneva Conventions (you may need to research this)?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death in "Sharpe's Skirmish". How does the world of Sharpe's time seem to view death? Who tries to avoid killing? Who seems to kill for frivolous reasons? Who seems afraid of dying? Not afraid? Who meets death gracefully? In resignation? With joy? With fear?

Essay Topic 2

The military way of life is in and of itself similar to a distinct culture. Understanding how the military is organized, how it operates, and its basic rules of conduct will make any novel that centers on the military more understandable and enjoyable. Discuss one of the following:

1. Describe and analyze the military structure during the time of "Sharpe's Skirmish". What is rank? What is the difference between officers and enlisted men? How serious is it to disobey an order? What happens if one decides he does not like being in the military and walks away? How are men conscripted? Does the infantry have a similar means of augmenting their ranks as the maritime action called "impressments"?

2. Compare the infantry of "Sharpe's Skirmish" to that in modern times for the United States, England or France. What are the similarities? The differences? Are the changes from those times improvements? Why or why not? (This question will require some research).

3. Discuss why you think the military has the following: Uniforms, a rank structure of Officers and Enlisted, Strict Discipline, Training for New Recruits, Court Martial, and Different types of companies (i.e., rifle, Cavalry, artillery, etc). Discuss why you think men (and nowadays women) choose to become professional soldiers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Sharpe's Skirmish" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if it is a successful novel. Explain your rationale with specific examples.

3. Do you think the fact that "Sharpe's Skirmish" falls within the genre of historical fiction changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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