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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. The soldier wakes up at what location?

2. What was Mr. Kovic's job?

3. What was the name of the other drill sergeant?

4. For which sports team did Kovic try out?

5. What is used to transport the character?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was a favorite childhood sport of Kovic's?

2. What is one of the main things that cause the deep depression in Kovic?

3. When is Kovic's birthday and what is its significance?

4. Who interrupts Kovic's dream? Why?

5. What information does Kovic not share with his family?

6. What was going on around Kovic during the time?

7. What is the first experience Kovic has when he awakens in the hospital?

8. Describe the scene in which Kovic discovers the rats.

9. How does Kovic refer to the other soldiers in the hospital?

10. What is the purpose of calling a priest to visit to Kovic?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Interview someone who served in Vietnam and write a 1000 word essay on the experience and how it affected the soldier's life. Be sure to include any traumatic events, real or imagined as well as post traumatic stress, involvement with the VA, and life before and after the war.

Essay Topic 2

What is The Medal for Conspicuous Service to the State of New York? Why was it awarded to Kovic? Who awarded the medal? Is there any special significance to the award? If so, what? Explain how Kovic felt about the medal and what he did with it after it was awarded. Would it be a symbol of pride or a reminder of the death and destruction?

Essay Topic 3

Study the concept of flashbacks. What causes them? Are they based in reality or are they a sign of psychosis? What types of things might one see in a flashback? How are flashbacks used in the story? Does the use of flashback help you to understand more about the story and Kovic's character? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 506 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample