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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 else does the French commander decide to try to do to Sharpe's men?

2. What is being stored in the back of the chapel?

3. About what does Coignet ask Pailleterie?

4. What does the French commander decide to try to do to Sharpe's men?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Of what does MacKeon remind Sharpe?

6. Where is Teresa thinking of going, and what does Sharpe suggest about her trip?

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

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

9. How does Pailleterie threaten his men and what is there response?

10. Who raises the alarm about the fire and what do they do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Usually the women in this series are in the background to the men and tend to fit a stereotype of women in this era of history. This book has a different type of woman, Teresa Sharp, who is strong enough to lead a group of rebels in skirmishes against the French.

1. Present and analyze the treatment of Teresa Sharp. Is her character believable? Is it believable that a group of men during that era would follow her as a soldier leader? What traits does Teresa possess that makes her a good leader? A weak leader?

2. Discuss Sharpe's attitude towards his wife both as a woman and as a soldier. Does he approve of her role leading soldiers? Do you think the fact that Sharpe is from the lower class makes him more accepting or less accepting of his wife's role in the war?

3. Discuss 3 other men's attitude towards Teresa Sharpe. Do they approve or disapprove of her? Do they like her? Do they see her as a woman?

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

"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?

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