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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. What is Colonel Nickerson's interest during this time?

2. What begins happening at night at the Danang base?

3. What job takes up most of Caputo's time as assistant adjutant?

4. What is the effect of burning magnesium?

5. What happens to a large number of the platoon down in a paddy?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe the Marines in Caputo's dream platoon.

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

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

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

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

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

10. What does Corporal Stasek say about the bodies the colonel wants left out for the clerks and General Thompson to see?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a paper about the extreme brainwashing techniques used on Marines to turn them into savage killers. Write a paper discussing this practice and whether you think it is necessary. If not, what would you suggest to prepare men for war?

Essay Topic 2

Write a paper about how something that is at first repulsive and horrible can become so common place that it is scarcely given any thought later on. Use Caputo's experience as the Officer In Charge of the Dead. Relate that to civilian activities such as undertakers, doctors and nurses, and other such professions.

Essay Topic 3

Write a paper on the need of many men to prove their manhood. Express your opinion as to why this is something Caputo mentions several times in the book. Besides war, what are ways some men choose to prove to themselves that they are real men? Express your opinion as to whether such behavior is necessary.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 650 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample