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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 animal is Chamberlain hunting when the novel opens?

2. How long does it take Lee and his army to defeat the army that threatened Richmond from the east?

3. What does Jackson do during John Brown's execution?

4. How are Jackson's soldiers described during the Battle of Bull Run?

5. What does Hancock tell his men to do when they (appear to) retreat from their attack on Richmond?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of expectations are made clear when Lee is given command of Virginia's provisional army?

2. Who is Mr. Hamilton?

3. What leads President Davis to relieve Johnston from his command?

4. Why is Colonel Ames's message from McClellan about how victorious their battle is received poorly?

5. What advice does Jackson's pastor give him for dealing with the death of his newborn daughter?

6. What ends up happening to John Brown after his insurrection?

7. Why do both the northern and southern armies take a break from fighting after the Battle of Bull Run?

8. In what situation does Lee learn that Texas wants to secede from the union?

9. How do Hancock and his men end up attacking Richmond?

10. What does Taylor request of Lee shortly after the war begins?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast 2 female characters from "Gods and Generals" and discuss what they contribute and/or take away from the text, given that, at this time, war and government was reserved primarily for men.

Essay Topic 2

Historical fiction, and "Gods and Generals" in particular, are an especially popular type of novel. Discuss at least 4 aspects of Shaara's writing style that resonates so strongly with such a large audience, citing specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze at least 3 literary techniques Shaara uses to make one character of your choosing from "Gods and Generals" very likable OR very unlikable to the reader.

(see the answer keys)

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