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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. How long does the launching on the Caine take?

2. After a particularly cowardly performance by Queeg, Keefer calls him a what?

3. Willie doesn't really understand the language surrounding the maneuvers. What is one of the names that Carmody mentions?

4. While on shore leave in San Francisco, where does Willie take May?

5. What is the title of Tom Keefer's book?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when the news of Japan's surrender is heard?

2. What are some of the quirky ways in which the crew begins to respond to their own boredom?

3. How does Queeg determine that the strawberries are missing?

4. Why does Queeg insist on staying on course?

5. What happens after Queeg receives the verdict for Stilwell's court martial?

6. Why won't Queeg let Keefer leave the Caine to go visit his brother?

7. Why does Willie not take his relationship with May Wynn seriously?

8. What happens toward the end of Queeg's testimony?

9. What does Dr. Bird do to upset the board during his testimony?

10. In Chapter 3 Willie says, "Do you suppose that some higher power doesn't want me in the Navy?" Why do you think he says this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapters 5 and 6, Willie continues to have trouble because of his loyalty to the people he loves. Discuss how the complicated nature of these relationships distracts Willie, keeps him from focusing on what he should, and makes it difficult for him to make good choices.

Essay Topic 2

Symbolism is widely used in Chapters 7 and 8. Discuss some of the ways that the author conveys how lowly the ship is in the grand scheme of the Navy. How does he explain to the reader the condition of the ship and crew? Use examples from the book to support your position.

Essay Topic 3

Through Tom Keefer's literary allusions in Chapter 9 and Willie's visit to the Moulton in Chapter 10, we begin to see Willie struggle with appearances versus reality. Why does Willie struggle with the fact that things are not always what they seem? How do you think growing up privileged has influenced the way he makes judgments? Do his first impressions get him into trouble? By the end of the novel, has his perspective changed? What leads to the change?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 865 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample