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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. The speaker says that to live is more than just to love; one must also be what?

2. How old is Momma Galya?

3. What does the sign say that is hanging around the neck of a drunk soldier?

4. In “Question,” the speaker asks what a man is and responds how?

5. Who gives the signal to attack the soldier?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the beautiful women of Vasenka do?

2. In “In Bombardment, Galya,” what does Galya manage to survive?

3. What is the eulogy given at Alfonso’s funeral?

4. What takes place right before and after the killing of the soldier?

5. What education does the speaker say Momma Galya gives?

6. How is the soldier treated prior to being killed?

7. What do the townspeople try not to notice about Momma Galya?

8. In “Galya’s Toast,” what does Galya toast?

9. Why does the speaker consider Momma Galya the luckiest woman in the country?

10. How does Momma Galya react to seeing the names posted in “Soldiers Don’t Like Looking Foolish”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sonya's last word is, "Ready!" What does this and her previous actions, as well as silence, reveal about her? How is she both a heroine and a martyr? How do her actions compare to those of many of her fellow townspeople? Are most people likely to be like Sonya? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Kaminsky mentions the blue canary in "4 a.m. Bombardment." Blue Canary is a term used to describe first responders to a scene. They often do not have respirators or fire protection gear. They are much like the canaries once sent into coal mines to make sure they were safe and had adequate oxygen. Applying this understanding to Kaminsky's poem, what might he be saying about the blue canary? What is the blue canary doing? What is the relationship of the blue canary to others?

Essay Topic 3

Sonya and Alfonso continue their puppet shows, even as the invading army forbids public gatherings. Why might they have chosen to continue with the puppet shows? What is the purpose of the puppet shows? How is this an example of peaceful protest?

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