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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 the youngest Hessian look like?

2. How are the enemy soldiers arranged as they approach Rocktown?

3. What does Jonathan think about the town being called Rocktown?

4. What has happened to Jonathan's shoes as a result of the battle?

5. Why does the Corporal rule out an ambush from the trees?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Jonathan call out when he thinks he sees the Corporal while he is with the Hessians?

2. What do the men debate about once they have reached their destination for the battle?

3. Why is Jonathan's father against Jonathan joining the war effort?

4. How does the battle affect Jonathan's orientation in terms of time and space?

5. Why does Jonathan lie to the tavern keeper about having permission from his father to fight?

6. How is the Corporal described at the beginning of the story?

7. In what way are Jonathan's feelings about the Corporal different than those of the other soldiers?

8. How do the soldiers react to the woman in Rocktown when she runs away upon learning that enemy soldiers are on their way?

9. How do the local men react to the Corporal at the beginning of the story?

10. What new questions does Jonathan ask himself just before the battle begins?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the language barrier between Jonathan and the orphaned child? What other communication difficulties does this mirror? How would the plot have advanced differently if the boy had been able to tell Jonathan his story?

Essay Topic 2

What event represents the climax of the novel? What is the significance of the choices Jonathan makes in this scene, in terms of his character development?

Essay Topic 3

Trace Jonathan's thoughts, feelings and reactions toward the Corporal throughout the book. At what points does Jonathan trust him, and at what points does he exhibit doubt and uncertainty? What part does the Corporal play in Jonathan's ultimate character shift at the end of the book?

(see the answer keys)

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