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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. According to the trial's first witness, what did Tyson and four men do at the burial mound?

2. What does Corva announce as the hearing begins that draws criticism?

3. In the hospital in Hue, who eventually pistol whipped Tyson in an effort to remove him from a dangerous situation, and ultimately saved Tyson's life?

4. According to Corva's story about one of his other clients, how many people did the sharpshooter kill?

5. As the platoon members began to agree on the details of the story that they would all stick to, how many men do they say were hit by sniper fire as the platoon approached the building?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Corva and Tyson leave the conference room to head into the hearing, Corva tells Tyson that the witnesses seem like good men. What is Tyson's response?

2. Describe the appearance of Richard Farley at the court martial trial.

3. When the court martial gets underway, Corva makes an announcement that draws criticism. How does Corva respond to the criticism?

4. When Corva cross-examines Brandt, Corva seems to jump randomly from point to point. What was Corva's purpose in this seeming randomness?

5. As Sproule explains the trial's purpose, what does Sproule warn the prosecution against?

6. When Steven Brandt is on the stand, what does Brandt say was his impression of Tyson while the platoon was in the operating room?

7. As the witnesses discuss the potential hit on Brandt, what does Tyson interrupt the conversation to tell the men?

8. As Tyson and Corva share a drink, what does Tyson realize about other people who had served and returned from Vietnam?

9. As Tyson and Corva share a drink, Corva tells Tyson that he thinks Tyson is guilty. What does Corva not want Tyson to have to do?

10. After escorting a man from the courtroom with the excuse that he might be called as a witness, what does Corva reveal to be his true intentions for removing the man?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Karen Harper and Farnley Gilmer.

a. How are the two characters similar? How are they different?

b. What is revealed about each character as their back stories are explained? Discuss how the quest for the truth affects both of these characters.

Essay Topic 2

One of the main themes in this novel involves honor.

a. Identify three characters that are honorable in their actions. For each character, describe an instance in which the character acted honorably.

b. Why do these characters try to do the honorable thing?

c. What is the outcome for these characters? Were they successful in their endeavors or would they have been more successful if they had not taken the honorable route? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

There is no doubt that Ben Tyson is greatly affected by the events that he was part of in Hue, Vietnam. Discuss how the hospital massacre and the events leading up to it affects not only Tyson's worldview, but his determination to stand trial for his actions and let the truth be heard. How do Tyson's experiences in Vietnam affect his mental state, his ability to reason, and his ability to continue on?

(see the answer keys)

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