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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. Who does Toomey say Epstein must report to his army superiors?
2. Where does Epstein say Wykowski should go if Epstein goes to jail?
3. Where is Carney at the end of Act 2, Scene 4?
4. What was Carney hospitalized for?
5. Who comes to sit with Eugene?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Two of the main characters in the play are Jewish, and throughout the play, there are instances of anti-Semitism. Discuss anti-Semitism in the play.
1) Why does Eugene not stand up for Epstein when he is the victim of antisemitic comments? Why is Epstein more often a victim than Eugene?
2) Why does Toomey say that he won't tolerate anti-Semitic comments among his men? Is Toomey antisemitic or not?
3) What is the significance of the incident when two soldiers beat up Epstein in the restroom? Why does it happen, and what does it mean to Epstein? How does hearing about it affect Eugene?
Essay Topic 2
An "other" is someone who is different and becomes outcast. Discuss being different and the concept of the "other" in the play.
1) In what ways are each of the characters different and therefore outcast from the others? Which are outcasts in the culture of the army?
2) How do the characters react to the things that make other characters different? Do any of the characters relate their own status as "others" with ways in which others are also outcasts?
3) How does the idea of an outcast "other" relate to war? Who becomes the "other" during wartime, and how do the soldiers think and talk about this during the play?
Essay Topic 3
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?
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This section contains 414 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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