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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 Eugene hiding behind in the prostitute's room?

2. How long a march does Toomey say he's taking the soldiers on?

3. What does Eugene tell the prostitute about his past sex life?

4. What state is the army base in?

5. What is wrong with Roy's mouth?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hennessey react when Toomey asks Hennessey to follow him?

2. How does Eugene's notebook describe Epstein?

3. What keeps Eugene from defending Arnold Epstein?

4. Describe Arnold Epstein's eating habits.

5. What does Hennessey's fantasy say about his character?

6. What does Arnold's fantasy say about his character?

7. Which soldiers does Toomey not let leave the table, and why?

8. What does Eugene do at the end of the scene?

9. Describe how Toomey wakes up the soldiers.

10. What does Epstein offer to do for the other soldiers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Wykowski and the other soldiers read about themselves in Eugene's journal, they are upset about what they've read. However, Epstein still encourages Eugene to be honest and not compromising in his writing. Discuss the role of honesty and truth in the play.

1) Why are the soldiers upset by Eugene's honest opinions? Is it wrong for Eugene to write his honest opinions?

2) Toomey steals money from Wykowski in order to foment distrust and anger among the men. What does this instance say about honesty and dishonesty? Why does Epstein falsely confess instead of telling the truth?

3) What other instances are there of honesty and dishonesty in the play, and how are they important?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss sex and love in the play.

1) What distinctions does Eugene make between sex and love? Why does he find his first sexual experience dissatisfying, and why does he begin to look for love after it?

2) Does Eugene have a realistic view of sex? Does he have a realistic view of love? How do his views change over the course of the play?

3) How do the soldiers view sex? How do their views differ? How do their views of sex influence their views of women and love?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the culture of the army in the play.

1) What does the army expect from its soldiers? What type of discipline, regulations, and values does the army promote?

2) Why is army food bad, and why are the soldiers required to eat all of their food?

3) The army brings together many different men from different cultures. How does the diversity of soldiers contribute to the culture of the army? Does it cause conflict? Does it have any benefits?

(see the answer keys)

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