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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 does MacKeon suggest to Sharpe?

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

3. What do Pailleterie and Tubbs discuss?

4. What does Coignet order?

5. Who does Sharpe take as prisoner?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe how the tide changes for Sharpe and his men after the wine bottles have been broken on the bridge.

3. How does Sharpe attempt to sabotage the fort?

4. In what way are both Sharpe and Pailleterie furious at the other group?

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

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

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

8. What does Sharpe admit to Teresa about his jumpiness?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Richard Sharpe is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in this story 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, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't always succeed?

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 989 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample