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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 Goodrich decide to be in Bagger's team?

2. Chapter 9 What type of man is Angus Austin, the new Platoon Sergeant?

3. Chapter 21 What is Snake's reaction at seeing Ogre and Baby Cakes again?

4. Chapter 19 What is the diagnosis given by Doc Rabbit about the young child who is carried on a stretcher by some villagers?

5. What does Speedy offer to give Senator when he says that he wants to resign from the Marines?

Short Essay Questions

1. What unreasonable expectations does Angus Austin expect from the men?

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

3. Why does Goodrich want to join Bagger's team?

4. Describe the circumstances when Cat Man arrives in America from Mexico?

5. What is the Black Shack used for?

6. Why does Snake give Goodrich the nickname, Senator?

7. What kind of childhood did Phony experience?

8. How does Gilliland reach Pismo Beach to meet his wife after being discharged from the Marines?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Interpret examples of human weakness and heroism depicted in the novel.

2) Cite examples of how each is valid with regard to the fear and danger each character encounters.

3) How realistic is Webb in his descriptions of these human qualities?

Essay Topic 2

1) Discuss how Goodrich grows as a character from the beginning of the novel to the end.

2) How do his attitudes change toward the Vietnam War?

3) How does his attitude about his classmates change?

4) What are the differences in his attitude toward war protesters from the beginning to the end of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

1) Describe the attitudes of the people in America toward the soldiers fighting in the war and those who return from the war.

2) Use examples from the letters and comments of the men who return home for R&R or are discharged after serving in Vietnam.

3) How do the comments about the people back in the states affect the men's morale?

4) How do they feel emotionally when they hear the comments from home?

(see the answer keys)

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