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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. Why does Buford wave to the Rebel officer?

2. Pickett concerned about ___________.

3. What does Lee tell Taylor to do with the blind horse?

4. Who is described, upon his arrival, as looking "like a French king, all curls and feathers?"

5. What is causing the Old Soldier's illness?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Wednesday, July 1, 1863, The First Day, Chapter 3, Lee," why does Lee think "God has decreed a fight here?"

2. In "Wednesday, July 1, 1863, The First Day, Chapter 7, Buford," what do you think it symbolizes when Buford cannot find the white angel but sees instead the Rebel fires burning?

3. How do Longstreet and Lee differ in their strategies?

4. How would you characterize Lee's approach to civilians?

5. In "Wednesday, July 1, 1863, The First Day, Chapter 2, Buford," why does Buford go from grinning and a sense of confidence to concern and weariness?

6. In "Monday, June 29, 1863, Chapter 4, Longstreet," what does Longstreet's lack of interest in poker represent?

7. Compare and contrast Chamberlain and Kilrain as described in "Monday, June 29, 1863, Chapter 2, Chamberlain."

8. How would you characterize Buford as a soldier?

9. Based on his interaction with the mutineers, how would you characterize Chamberlain's leadership?

10. In "Wednesday, July 1, 1863, The First Day, Chapter 1, Lee," what does Lee have to feel guilty about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the significance of the novel's title. Be sure to include:

1) the origin of the phrase "Killer Angels"

2) the difference of opinion that Chamberlain has with both his father and Kilrain as to man's inherent qualities.

3) the ways that phrase could be interpreted in terms of the battle and in relation to people in general

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

As noted in The Killer Angels, each side of the war had a different opinion of the reason for that war.

1) What reason does each side give for the reason for the Civil War?

2) How can each side morally justify the war, given their reason for it?

3) Given the differing opinions on the reason for the war, do you think the war could have somehow been avoided altogether?

Make sure you support your ideas with citations from the text.

Essay Topic 3

George Pickett is very eager for battle. When he got his orders for charging the center of the Union line, he could barely rein in his anticipation.

1) How is George Pickett generally characterized throughout the novel? Draw from the text.

2) Describe his actions leading up to the final battle, and what his mindset seems to be before the charge begins.

3) Describe his attitude and mindset after the battle.

4) Do you think his initial anticipation would have been different if he had known the outcome ahead of time? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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