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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 is the Reverend's view on racism?

2. Which member of Snake's platoon loses his leg?

3. What is Hodges thinking as he watches his men dying in Arizona Valley?

4. Who goes to look for Baby Cakes and Ogre when they disappear?

5. What does Austin rip off Phony's back?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the Black Shack used for?

2. What does Hodges consider unfair when he confronts the enemy in the village?

3. Why is Bobby proud to enlist in the Marines?

4. Explain the circumstances when Bagger enlists in the Marines.

5. What problems does Cannonball encounter in boot camp and Vietnam?

6. What is the main reason Ronnie enlists in the Marines?

7. What does Gilliland tell Hodges about the attitude of the civilians back in the States?

8. What is the result of the investigation of the banana trees just off the trail that Hodges' men are following?

9. Why does Cannonball decide to join the Marines instead of the Army?

10. What is Goodrich's reaction as the platoon walks through Go Noi Island?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) What is the message Webb is trying to convey about life both in the states and in Vietnam during the war?

2) Does he depict a realistic and relevant view of human nature through the actions of the character during the Vietnam War?

3) Are the human qualities of each character true to life? Explain.

4) How do the characters convey the everyday struggles of life?

Essay Topic 2

1) Compare and contrast the characters of Hodges and Kersey.

2) Summarize the impact each character has on the story.

3) How is each character realistic in his view toward life, considering the time period in which the story takes place?

4) How do their roles as soldiers differ? Cite examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

1) Evaluate the relationship between Hodges and Mitsuko.

2) Are they a good match? Explain.

3) How do they interact with one another?

4) What are the qualities of their relationship?

5) Cite examples from the story proving their acceptance of one another and their role in the war.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 573 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample