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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. Who are the only adults who pay attention to the Marines as they pass through Dogpatch?

2. How does Caputo see future life in the military?

3. What does Caputo say he learns later about the war in Vietnam?

4. What are the two problems Caputo says are the worst while they guard the landing field?

5. What is everyone told about the war in the first briefing Caputo attends?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the advantage on Hill 268 where Caputo's company is poistioned?

2. Describe the platoon sergeant, William Campbell.

3. What does Caputo sense at his old base camp when he goes to collect his belongings?

4. What does Caputo recall when the helicopter he is in draws ground fire?

5. What is Caputo's troublesome encounter with Sergeant Fred Wagoner?

6. What does Caputo say the old salts used to tell him is the most memorable moment in an officer's life?

7. What is the sound of 155mm artillery firing?

8. Describe the French Fort overlooking the paddies west of Hill 327.

9. Why does he say he fears being an unsat or a marginal?

10. When does Caputo have his first realization of someone trying to kill him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a paper about understanding different cultures. Use examples from the book to show that people of different cultures often do not understand each other. A good example is the old Vietnamese man trying to sell pornographic pictures to Caputo and his men. He, like so many Asians, had the idea that all Americans are addicted to sexual laxity and vulgarity. On the other hand, the Americans often could not understand the stoic nature of the Vietnamese who show little emotion regardless of circumstances.

Essay Topic 2

Imagine you were there in Caputo's platoon. Write a paper expressing your opinion of 2nd Lieutenant Caputo as he takes command of your platoon. Describe his personality and character as you see him from the point of view of an enlisted man or woman.

Essay Topic 3

Now that you have read about the experiences of the Marines in Vietnam, write a paper about how difficult it probably was for most of them to step back into civil society at home. Perhaps you have known of someone coming back from a war who had a problem readjusting. Give your opinion about the responsibility of the people who send young men to war in helping to rehabilitate them after they return.

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