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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. Where does Cox want the gold sent?

2. What did the French not expect?

3. What do the Partisans do?

4. Why will it be difficult for Sharpe to do what he thinks he must do?

5. What has Sharpe been told about the gold?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sharpe say to Hogan and what is Hogan's response?

2. Why is Lossow happy?

3. What do Sharpe and several others discuss?

4. What of the Lines of Torres Vedras?

5. Why is Kearsey angry with Sharpe and what is Sharpe's response?

6. Why does Sharpe think there is no hope for his company and who saves them?

7. Describe the scene between Cox and Sharpe about the gold and Sharpe's men.

8. How does Sharpe discover that the French are nearby when Sharpe's company approaches the Coa River?

9. Who is causing Sharpe problems about moving the gold on to Wellington?

10. Describe Teresa and Sharpe's conversation while they are in bed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though this novel is probably more action driven rather than character driven, obviously there are several characters who make the novel what it is. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Sharpe and El Catolico. Include their goals, sense of honor, abilities, and social skills.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Wellington and Cox.

3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Richard Sharpe discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Sharpe's Gold.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Sharpe's Gold. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Sharpe's Honour. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

In the world of academe, historical fiction is often considered an inferior form of the novel compared to "classic" literature. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think historical fiction might be considered second-rate compared to the classics?

2. Do you think historical fiction has the same elements as the classics? Why or why not?

3. What are the purposes do you think for people reading "the classics"? What are the purposes for people reading historical fiction? Is one purpose better than another? Explain your response.

4. Would you read historical fiction even outside an educational setting? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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