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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 Herault think the biggest danger to his men lies?

2. What does Harper admit to Sharpe?

3. How many men does Soult send North?

4. Who is Mr. MacKeon?

5. Who does Tubbs see riding towards the fort?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Sharpe's response to Teresa's question about Gawilghur?

3. Why is Major Ducos in Spain?

4. Briefly characterize Captain Richard Sharpe.

5. How does one of the people eating together in the mess offend Sharpe, and who steps in and has his own opinion about the topic?

6. What does Herault do after sacrificing 300 French infantrymen?

7. What does Ducos think of Herault's plan.

8. Describe Major Pierre Ducos.

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

10. What is Teresa's response to Hickey's question about fighting the French?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Sharpe's Skirmish" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if it is a successful novel. Explain your rationale with specific examples.

3. Do you think the fact that "Sharpe's Skirmish" falls within the genre of historical fiction changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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