View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. About what is Sharpe upset?

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

3. About what does Coignet ask Pailleterie?

4. What does MacKeon suggest to Sharpe?

5. What does Sharpe order his men to do when he runs back to the village?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Of what does MacKeon remind Sharpe?

4. Why is Sharpe now grateful for Harper's earlier disobedience about the wine?

5. How does Sharpe attempt to sabotage the fort?

6. What does Pailleterie do while waiting for the French reinforcements?

7. What does Sharpe do with MacKeon's suggestion?

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

9. How will makeshift caltrops help Sharpe?

10. What does Herault observe when he arrives at San Miguel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Sharpe's Skirmish", 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 Skirmish" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention.

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 2

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 3

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and Richard Sharpe is no exception.

1. Trace and analyze situations when Sharpe demonstrates his admirable traits. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze Sharpe's character flaws, and explain how the flaws create more complex and believable characters. How do you think either man's character flaws make some situations more difficult for him?

3. After analyzing Sharpe's strengths and weaknesses, decide if Sharpe is an appropriate "hero" of the story. Is there anyone else who might be a more admirable "hero"?

4. Answer the above questions for one other person you think could be considered a hero in "Sharpe's Skirmish".

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,182 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample