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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. After completing his role as a soldier, what was Albert Gaine's occupation?

2. What kind of home does Sarat live in?

3. What year was the war settled?

4. What was it considered a crime to use?

5. What kind of statue sits near the front door to Sarat's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sarat go into Emerald Creek?

2. What is the significance of the Statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe?

3. Describe Emerald Creek and what function it served at Camp Patience.

4. What is the significance of the pet turtle, Cherylene Cee?

5. Why do the Chestnuts want to go North?

6. How does Sarat feel about Marcus and his father escaping to the North?

7. Who was Gerry Tusk and how does he relate to the story?

8. How did Sarat's name come to be?

9. Discuss Sarat and Dana's relationship and the similarities and differences between the two girls.

10. On the way to the refugee camp, why does a woman confront Martina and consequently get kicked off the bus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the relationship between Sarat and Benjamin. Be sure to chronicle Benjamin's feelings from the beginning of the story through the end of the story.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the significance and symbolism of the name Cherylene Cee and how it affects several generations of Chestnuts.

Essay Topic 3

Who is the narrator of American War? Discuss our knowledge of him in the Prologue as compared to what we know about him at the conclusion of the story. Include in your answer why you think the author decided to use a narrator to tell the story.

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