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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. During the prayer, what is Jenkins called?

2. Who does Johnson get into a racially charged argument with?

3. What type of home remedy does Peewee purchase from a local healer?

4. What does Lobel think are the only real things in the world?

5. How are the injured American soldiers transported out of the battle zone?

Short Essay Questions

1. What footage do the soldiers watch after the ambush, and what is their reaction?

2. How does Lieutenant Carroll die?

3. What happens to Richie's knee, and why is he still sent to Vietnam?

4. In Chapter 1, what sounds does Richie hear when he falls asleep at night, and how does he comfort himself in Vietnam?

5. Why does Richard Perry decide to join the army?

6. What does Lobel tell Richie about himself, and his obsession with Hollywood, while the two are on patrol together?

7. During the slow days, what does Richie learn about his fellow soldiers Brew, Lobel, and Monaco?

8. Why does Peewee ask Richie to write a letter to Earlene on his behalf?

9. What happens during the new soldiers first night on patrol?

10. Who is Rings, and what does he suggest that Richie and Peewee do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the soldiers in the novel have big dreams for themselves when they get out of the army. Choose three soldiers from Richie's squad and explain what their dreams for the future are. Then, explain how these dreams affected the soldiers' performance in battle.

Essay Topic 2

Richie's medical records float through the novel, appearing regularly to remind the reader how unorganized then military office is during the war. Briefly explain what the medical records meant to Richie, and how their inability to be locked down led the reader to see the chaos and uncertainty of war.

Essay Topic 3

When Richie enters the army, he has firm beliefs of what his tour on duty will be like. Throughout his time in Vietnam, Richie's views about war changes many more times. Describe the way that Richie thought the war would be like when he entered the service, and then briefly describe the ways that his views of fighting changed over his time in Vietnam.

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