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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 is the name of the group of soldiers who accompany Pailleterie?

2. Who else is filled with rage as Sharpe is?

3. What orders does the French commander give to the men he summons?

4. What part of the horse is disabled?

5. Why are the lancers unable to get by the horses?

Short Essay Questions

1. How will makeshift caltrops help Sharpe?

2. What does Pailleterie order when it becomes clear that the fire is out of control?

3. Describe the battle for the bridge and explain why Sharpe retreats.

4. How is Sharpe feeling at the opening of this section?

5. What strategy does Herault choose to fight Sharpe and his men?

6. How does Sharpe attempt to sabotage the fort?

7. Who do Pailleterie and Tubbs discuss and what do they say?

8. Why does Sharpe realize he does not need to negotiate a truce with the French forces?

9. Why is Sharpe uncertain about how to keep the bridge?

10. Why is Sharpe upset as he sees the French approaching?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book is more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and sometimes it is the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think "Sharpe's Skirmish" is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Sharpe's Skirmish". Consider the following: How does one character's actions portray the theme you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme"? If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

2. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Sharpe's Skirmish". How does one character's actions portray the themes you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to those themes? Is each theme one that you would call a "universal theme"? If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

3. What benefit is there in discussing and analyzing the themes of a work of fiction? Do you think most authors consciously develop themes in their works? Why or why not? Can there be accidental themes? What do you think is one possible "accidental" theme in "Sharpe's Skirmish"? Which theme in "Sharpe's Skirmish" speaks to you the most in your life? Why?

Essay Topic 3

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 War affects the social culture of one of the following countries: Britain, France, or Germany.

(see the answer keys)

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