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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. In Washington, while waiting for the arrival of Dillon and McCoy, who is trying to find out who Easterbrook is?

2. What is First Lieutenant Hon Song Do's nickname?

3. What does Galloway and his fellow aviator fail to show when they are forced to land after the bombing?

4. In order to halt the Japanese, what areas did the Americans decide to invade in the Pacific?

5. Who dictates a letter to the Joint Chiefs of Staff telling them to use every weapon to defend Guadalcanal?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who were the Coastwatechers and why are they important to American security at Guadalcanal?

2. How does Stecker know McCoy?

3. What is Dillon in charge of that inspires awe from the Marines?

4. Why is Easterbrook concerned about his own mortality after learning about different members of his team?

5. When Pickering has his staff analyze the MAGIC intelligence, what does he learn about the Japanese and what they can do or not?

6. What is Max Krinski's role?

7. Why is Vandergrift disturbed by the message from Pickering?

8. Why does Pickering feel grateful to the men who arrive in Oahu and come to his estate with a report?

9. Why is Wilson elated with Stewart's idea for Macklin's new position?

10. Why does Dunn worry about Galloway when Dawkins reassures him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Politics play a significant role in the book. Griffin refers to the politics of American naval bases compared to that of aviation. Discuss the use of politics in the novel. How does politics influence the actions of the main characters of Pickering, Easterbrook, Pick, and others? Also examine the use of politics in relationships.

Essay Topic 2

Power in society is a prevailing theme of "Close Combat". Griffin frequently refers to this theme, painting the picture of military knowledge being rewarded by power. Which characters appear honest and which appear corrupt and why? Which characters appear to rise above corruption even if they were initially vulnerable to it? What is your opinion of the society that Griffin describes?

Essay Topic 3

Pickering and Pick are two of the most active characters in the decision-making process for the military and espionage events that unfold in "Close Combat".

Part 1) What is their relationship? How do they co-exist and how do they interact? What is similar about them and what is different?

Part 2) What are some events that Pickering had a direct influence upon? What are some events that Pick had a direct influence upon?

Part 3) Which character offers support to the group? Which one is stronger and why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 775 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample