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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 Sharpe believe the French want the British to think?

2. Who does Teresa say she fights?

3. What does Price say about Teresa?

4. How many muskets does a priest discover at the fort?

5. In what country did Sharpe serve when he was younger?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Herault suggest as a tactic for taking San Miguel?

2. Briefly characterize Captain Richard Sharpe.

3. What is Major Tubbs' response to hearing the French may come to San Miguel and what does Sharpe say to Tubbs?

4. What does the author say about "Sharpe's Skirmish" in his introduction to the story?

5. Who welcomes Sharpe to San Miguel and what is he like?

6. What does Harper say about Major Tubbs when asked by Sharpe?

7. About what are Sharp's men objecting and why do they stop complaining?

8. Describe the setting and mission for Captain Richard Sharpe.

9. What does Harper admit about the bottles of wine he was tasked with destroying?

10. What does Teresa want to do and what does Sharpe suggest?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Sharpe's Skirmish". Does the setting make a unique contribution to the plot? If it were some other country, how would the plot be affected? If it were some other time?

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

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

Essay Topic 2

Most of the entire series of novels concerning Richard Sharpe takes place during the Napoleonic Wars; therefore understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of this book and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the Napoleonic Wars begin and end.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the battles that take place on land between Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars.

3. Compare/Contrast the importance of the British infantry during the Napoleonic Wars to the importance of the British infantry during either WWI or WWII.

4. Write an expository essay on how the Napoleonic War affects the social culture of one of the following countries: Britain, France, or Germany.

Essay Topic 3

"Sharpe's Skirmish", like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Sharpe's Skirmish" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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