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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 are Caputo and the rest of the men so exhausted?

2. Who has noticed the relaxed camp arrangements and tries to correct them?

3. During the summer, how is life for the Vietnamese peasants?

4. What do Caputo and Crowe do with grenades on the way to Hill 92?

5. Why is there a great deal of physical work to be done as the monsoon season begins?

Short Essay Questions

1. What becomes Caputo's chief responsibility and how does he begin to see himself?

2. What is so frustrating to Caputo during the trial?

3. Why are the VC attacking with small arms each night for several days?

4. Why does Caputo volunteer for the line?

5. Why does Caputo order the village fired upon by white phosphorus shells?

6. Coming across a clearing, how does Caputo manage to get to the other side?

7. What effect does Colonel Nickerson have on the morale of the Marines?

8. Why are the men of C Company pleased about the treats sent to them?

9. What does Caputo say about the effect of his job as Regimental Casualty Reporting Officer?

10. What is the condition of the radio when Caputo gets it from inside the bunker?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Self-preservation is a big consideration for anyone. In the case of Vietnam, there was no way to look at a person and know if he or she was South Vietnamese or VietCong. Write your opinion about the moral dilemma of having to make such a determination and whether it is right to err on the side of personal safety.

Essay Topic 2

Hatred is mentioned several times in the book. It often takes over when circumstances are frustrating and there appears to be nothing anyone can do about it. Write how the Marines in Vietnam often felt this way when they knew more about what was going on than the men safely back at HQ who were planning the moves of the war.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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