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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 does Fowler tell Fleming about the man he will be meeting?

2. What rank does Dillon have in the Marines?

3. What does Koffler do when he gets home?

4. What does Macklin want to do to Koffler?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Sum up the conversation between Pickering and Frank Knox, who Fowler brings to Pickering's motel room.

2. Why is Neville going to Lakehurst and what happens when he first arrives? What does he tell the pilot of the plane?

3. What does Fleming tell Fowler about meeting Donovan, what does Fowler say about Donovan, and how does Fleming feel about Donovan?

4. In what service is Joe Howard, what award did he win, and what is his next assignment?

5. What does Macklin threaten about Koffler and how does Dillon handle it? What happens to the Marine Corps' reputation over the Lakehurst incident?

6. Describe Koffler's visit home the first day.

7. What happens with Howard and Barbara when they go for dinner?

8. Where does Knox want Pickering to meet him and what happens when Pickering refuses? What does Knox ask Pickering about his statement in Washington?

9. Where does Pickering meet with the President and Knox and why are they meeting?

10. Why is Stephen Koffler at Lakehurst and what does the Navy keep there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though this novel is probably more action driven rather than character driven, obviously there are several characters who make the novel what it is. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Koffler and Howard. Include their goals, sense of honor, abilities, and social skills.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Stecker and Pickering.

3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Knox discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.

Essay Topic 2

At the conclusion of a novel, most readers either consciously or unconsciously engage in processing the book and usually come to a conclusion as to whether they like the book or not. Discuss one of the following:

1. Would you consider Counterattack a "good" book? Why or why not? Use examples to illustrate your stance.

2. What do you think are the elements of an outstanding novel? Analyze one of your favorite novels to see if those elements are present.

3. What are some reasons you might consider a novel a failure? Analyze a novel you think is a failure and see if those elements are in that novel.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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