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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. How long do the troops march?

2. What officer does Sharpe see?

3. What do the riflemen get from the French?

4. Who are leaving the city after the French come out of the palace?

5. What does Sharpe tell the riflemen to do that is not part of the plan?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sharpe ask Vivar about the riflemen and what is Vivar's response? How does Sharpe answer him?

2. What happens when the troops arrive at a stream?

3. Where do the riflemen flee from the French pouring out of the palace and what do they see there?

4. What does Louisa tell Sharpe when they meet in the palace and what does Sharpe figure out from what she says?

5. Why does Vivar come to Sharpe in the tavern, how does Sharpe act?

6. What news do local bandits bring and what is Vivar's response to their news?

7. What is Harper's idea about the Spanish volunteers?

8. How long do the troops march and what do the riflemen do to keep their movement a secret?

9. What does Sharpe do with the caltrops and how do they work?

10. What does the French colonel tell Sharpe and what is Sharpe's response?

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 Rifles 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

Honor is a very important concept in Sharpe's Rifles and in the life of those in the upper class during that era. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of honor in Sharpe's Rifles. What do you think Sharpe would tell you is the definition of honor if you ask him? Do you think honor can be restored if it is lost?

2. Respond to the following statement using specific examples from the book and your own experience: Honor is one of the most important character traits for anyone in any social strata. First fully define the concept of honor, then discuss whether you believe the preceding statement is true with specific examples from Sharpe's Rifles and other books/films and other media that you have read or experienced.

3. During the era in which Sharpe lives, men could give their word on the basis of being a gentleman and it was assumed to be true. There was no such concept for a lady or anyone of lower social/economic groups. Fully discuss the implications in a society where only gentlemen are considered trustworthy enough to give their word unquestioned.

Essay Topic 3

Cornwell has tried as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Sharpe's Rifles qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in Sharpe's Rifles are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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