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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. Why does Knox come to Pickering's office?

2. Why does Koffler go through with the parachuting ceremony?

3. Why is Jack Dillon in Hollywood?

4. What happened at the beginning of the event that made Neville think it started badly?

5. Who drives Charley back to the base?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Jack Dillon in Hollywood?

2. What was Charley determined to do during his first few years in service?

3. Why is PFC Koffler AWOL? What will he begin at Lakehurst and with whom?

4. Why is Joe Howard on the USS Tangier and what happens on the way to her destination?

5. When does Neville board the plane and what happens to him?

6. Why is Charley Galloway's flight status changed?

7. Where does Ellen Feller work and in what capacity?

8. What happens when Galloway, Ward and Schneider are headed to Lakehurst?

9. What did Stecker recommend for Joe Howard, why and in what position will Howard work for Stecker?

10. Where has Galloway been sent after flying the plane without permission and what do the Marines plan to do about him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze one major theme of Counterattack. Consider the following: How does one character's actions portray the theme you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme?" If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme? If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

2. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Counterattack. How does one character's actions portray the themes you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to those themes? Is each theme one that you would call a "universal theme?" If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme? If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

3. What benefit is there in discussing and analyzing the themes of a work of fiction? Do you think most authors consciously develop themes in their works? Why or why not? Can there be accidental themes? What do you think is one possible "accidental" theme in Counterattack? Which theme in Counterattack speaks to you the most in your life? Why?

Essay Topic 2

The military way of life is in and of itself similar to a distinct culture. Understanding how the military is organized, how it operates, and its basic rules of conduct will make any novel that centers on the military more understandable and enjoyable. Discuss one of the following:

1. Describe and analyze the military structure during the time of Counterattack. What is rank? What is the difference between officers and enlisted men? How serious is it to disobey an order? What happens if one decides he does not like being in the military and walks away? How are men drafted?

2. Compare the infantry of Counterattack to that in modern times in for the United States. What are the similarities? The differences? Are the changes from those times improvements? Why or why not? (This question will require some research).

3. Discuss why you think the military has the following: uniforms, a rank structure of Officers and Enlisted, strict discipline, training for new recruits, court martial, and different types of companies (i.e., rifle, Cavalry, artillery, etc). Discuss why you think men (and nowadays women) choose to become professional soldiers.

Essay Topic 3

Joe Howard is what they call a mustang, an enlisted man who came up to be an officer. Often there is tension between an enlisted man who becomes and officer and a college graduate who starts as an officer.

1. How do you think a mustang might handle command differently than a regular officer? Use examples from Counterattack to illustrate your answer.

2. Other officers resenting those who did not go to college is not uncommon in other institutions. There are many situations in which a person is qualified to do a job without formal education and those with formal education might resent that person. Discuss what you believe are the interpersonal and personality dynamics of this type of situation. Use examples to support your answer.

3. Throughout history, as long as there has been rank in the military or classes in the social sphere, treatment of people have been unequal. Officers have always had better quarters and food. Kings sleep in better homes than carpenters. Do you think inequality of people is good or bad? Could it motivate those in the lower hierarchies to work harder or just make them resentful? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of unequal status among humans.

(see the answer keys)

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