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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 did Andrew's father consider to be his greatest regret in life?

2. How did Andrew feel about visiting the tourist area of Hanoi?

3. Why didn't Andrew have his original travel documents with him when the police questioned him on the boxcar?

4. How long was Andrew sent to jail for his crime aboard the boxcar?

5. What moral summed up Andrew's experiences in Vietnam?

Short Essay Questions

1. What type of relationship did Trieu have with her birth father, the colonel?

2. Why wasn't Andrew allowed to board the commuter train from Muong Man?

3. What is a gape fish?

4. Why did Andrew have trouble finding a place to stay in Hanoi?

5. Which of Andrew's siblings were gay, and how did his family react to this?

6. Why did Chi make the decision to move to San Francisco?

7. What happened when the police stopped Andrew on the cargo train to Hanoi?

8. What two images does Andrew encounter that he believes are perfect symbols for the people of Japan?

9. What animal did Andrew see get hit by a car when he was leaving Hanoi?

10. What trouble did Andrew get into in Vietnam for drinking Coca-Cola?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the memoir, Andrew utilized almost every different mode of travel available. First, create a list of transportation methods Andrew used during his journey. Then, choose two modes of transportation and compare / contrast the experience of these travels, particularly when considering Andrew's historic quest for answers. In your opinion, what mode of transportation was most beneficial for Andrew, given his unique travel desires? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

The ghosts of the Vietnam War are still very present in the country when Andrew visits to make his journey. Describe the differing viewpoints about the War Andrew encounters during his trip. Be sure to include at least two contrasting views of the effects of the War and at least two different conversations (with different people) Andrew has throughout his journey.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the memoir, Andrew offers many different symbols to bring meaning to the people of Vietnam and their experiences, including the famous ruins and the gape fish. Choose one of these symbols - or another that you deem fit - and explain the symbol here. Where did Andrew first encounter this symbol? What understanding did Andrew believe the message brought to him about the Vietnamese people? Do you agree with Andrew's assessment? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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