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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 a Vietnamese boy offer to sell to the soldiers as they work?

2. What do the Marines need to do as a result of Goodrich's statement about murder?

3. What is Senator thinking as he searches the tree line?

4. What is the condition of Snake's mother's home?

5. Where does Sergeant Sadler expect the enemy to attack?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Goodrich go to the Regimental Legal Officer's tent?

2. What does Hodges' mother do with the flag and gold medal she receives that Hodges earned while in the war?

3. What type of songs does Senator sing and play on his guitar after Hodges returns?

4. What are the results of the investigation into Snake's participation in the killing of the civilian's that Senator reported?

5. What becomes of Dan and his men when they are on the road to Laos?

6. What is Bagger's reaction to Senator's insulting song about Hodges?

7. How does Snake keep his team motivated to move through the gunfire toward the cemetery to help Senator's team?

8. What does Waterbull tell the men in the letter he sends to the unit?

9. Why does Dan disagree with Operation Lam Son 719?

10. What becomes of Hodges while he tries to rescue the men in the cemetery?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Goodrich is one of the main constants throughout the novel. He is mentioned in all parts of the story and everyone's life seems to revolve around him.

1) Explain how Goodrich and the characters intertwine as the book progresses.

2) What relationship does he have with Hodges, Snake, Bagger, Phony, Mark, and his parents?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 604 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample