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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 kind of weapon does McCandless use?

2. Where is Mary directed to go?

3. What do McCandless and his Indian escort run into on his way back to the British army?

4. What does Sergeant Green tell Sharpe?

5. Why does Hakeswill leave Sharpe?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where do the lancers take Lawford and Sharpe and what do the two men see as they enter there?

2. What does Sergeant Hakeswill do while they are marching and how does his action affect Sharpe?

3. What is Sharpe observing at the beginning of Chapter 1, and what is his position in the British army? What is he thinking about at the beginning of Chapter 1?

4. Why does Sharpe's case for the court-martial look hopeless?

5. What is the outcome of Sharpe's court-martial and what does Sergeant Green do for Sharpe?

6. How do the other officers feel about Lawford suggesting Sharpe accompany him on the mission?

7. What is Hakeswill thinking about as he is looking for money and what does he do about a dying soldier who has money taped to his chest?

8. Who is with McCandless when he arrives at the courtyard and what does he demand Sharpe do? How did Sharpe's actions turn out?

9. What does Hakeswill argue with Sharpe about and what does Sharpe say to him?

10. How is Sharpe's punishment carried out and how does it stop?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the conclusion of a novel, most readers either consciously or unconsciously engage in processing the book and usually come to a conclusion as to whether they like the book or not. Discuss one of the following:

1. Would you consider "Sharpe's Tiger" a "good" book? Why or why not? Use examples to illustrate your stance.

2. What do you think are the elements of an outstanding novel? Analyze one of your favorite novels to see if those elements are present.

3. What are some reasons you might consider a novel a failure? Analyze a novel you think is a failure and see if those elements are in that novel.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of literary techniques evident in "Sharpe's Tiger". Discuss the following:

1. Look up and define the literary technique called "narrative contrivance." Where do you think narrative contrivance occurs? Why? Give two examples and analyze them to see if the author has to come up with something to "save the day."

2. Does the use of narrative contrivance diminish the impact of the plot? The believability of the storyline?

3. Is there any other way Cornwell could have a mixture of suspense and action while at the same time making certain the main characters are not killed?

Essay Topic 3

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 Tiger". 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?

2. Compare the infantry of "Sharpe's Tiger" to that in modern times in 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 may 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.

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