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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 Vivar want the riflemen to do which is a change in plans?

2. How many men does Sharpe see outside the city?

3. What does Louisa think she might be able to do to help with the planned attack?

4. What news do local bandits bring to Vivar?

5. What does the guide want to do when the troops reach a stream?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Vivar want the riflemen to do and what does Sharpe do?

2. Why is Sharpe going into the palace?

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

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

5. What is the legend about the gonfalon?

6. What kind of idea does Sharpe have and what is Vivar's response?

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

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

9. What do Sharpe and Harper decide about the French coming to the town?

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

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 Sharpe's Rifles 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

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 Murray. Include their goals, sense of honor, abilities and social skills.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Harper and Willams.

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 3

Richard Sharpe is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in Sharpe's Rifles 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 whom 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.

(see the answer keys)

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