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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. Of what Is the convoy which comes across the ambush site consist?

2. With what does Calvet hit the fortress after the bombardment?

3. What is the weather like when the French forces meet?

4. Of what is the British bridge over the water composed?

5. What does Calvet want to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the local commander, Calvet like?

2. What type of crime was committed in the town and what happens to the perpetrator?

3. What do both Calvet and Sharpe realize about the assaults on the fortress and how it will end.

4. What do the French do on their first assault on the fortress?

5. Who joins Sharpe and why?

6. What does Sharpe and his men ambush?

7. What happens with Ducos' plan and how does Sharpe feel about de Maquerre's information?

8. What is going on that favors the British and why does it favor them?

9. Describe the bridge that the British built.

10. Describe General Calvet and what type of military leader is he?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

RSM Harper's request to accompany Sharpe begins one of the more risible minor plot arcs presented in the narrative. Discuss the following:

RSM Harper's request to accompany Sharpe begins one of the more risible minor plot arcs presented in the narrative. Discuss the following:

1. What is meant by the term "comic relief?" Why do you think an author interjects comic relief into a story? Is it necessary?

2. Thoroughly discuss the situation with Harper and explain how the situation could be considered comic relief. Do you find it a humorous situation?

3. Why does Harper have to go to such extremes to effect his accompaniment of Sharpe's regiment? What would have happened to Harper had he just gone along with the riflemen after Sharpe told him no? Why do you think Sharpe is so angry to see Harper even though Sharpe greatly respects Harper's ability as a soldier? Would Sharpe have had to be the one to effect punishment against Harper?

Essay Topic 2

Honor is an important concept in Sharpe's Siege and in the life of those in the upper class during that era. It is assumed that those who are officer's and gentlemen would keep their word after offering it.

1. Trace and analyze the theme of honor in Sharpe's Siege. What do you think Richard Sharpe would tell you is the definition of honor if you ask him? How about Fredrickson? Bampfylde? Do you think honor can be restored if it is lost? When Frederickson extends his word of honor that the Americans will be treated fairly, why does Sharpe take Fredrickson's word seriously? Why does Sharpe believe Killick's word that he will no longer engage the British if set free?

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 Siege and other books/films, etc... that you have read or experienced.

3. During the era in which Richard Sharpe lives, men could give their word on the basis of being a gentleman and it is 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

Although Hogan's fever and eventual death is not focused on in a dominant way, the credibility of the basic plot relies heavily on this intelligence officer's information being withheld due to illness. In other words, Sharpe will go to war believing he is to act a certain way while in point of fact his mission was intended to be something else entirely. Choose one of the following to answer in detail:

1. Explain why the convenience of Hogan's illness is likely a narrative contrivance. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

2. Explain how you believe the plot could have worked without Hogan's illness. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

3. Based on Sharpe's behavior in his decision not to go to Bordeaux because of a "feeling" about de Marquerre, why would the author go to the trouble of inventing Hogan? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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