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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 do the Vietnamese boys follow the soldiers?

2. What does the forest symbolize to O'Brien?

3. What do the soldiers decide to do when they discover a tunnel in a village rather than sending a soldier down?

4. What seems to happen to the jungle as the soldiers stare at it into the darkness?

5. Which of the following is the name of O'Brien's only friend during basic training?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the soldiers often do on the long routine marches that sometimes alerts the enemy to their location?

2. The Starlight scope is what kind of technology?

3. What do the soldiers do that provokes a few Viet Cong hiding in the jungle to open fire before disappearing into the jungle?

4. How does O'Brien see himself during basic training?

5. How many scenes does the author use in chapter ten?

6. In what way do Erik and O'Brien catch the attention of the drill sergeant?

7. Why does the Chaplain disappoint O'Brien?

8. How does O'Brien obtain his passport and shot records?

9. Why didn't O'Brien sign up for two years?

10. Why do the Vietnamese people go everywhere the men of Alpha Company go?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe why Captain Johansen can be considered a hero. What is your definition of a hero? Does O'Brien meet your personal definition of a hero at any time throughout this novel? Do you believe your definition is universal or unique?Uses examples from the story to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay describing how Plato's writing can be considered the backbone of this novel. Do you believe the writing of Plato is still relevant in today's society? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay sharing your point of view on the war in Vietnam after reading O'Brien's account. Did your point of view change from what it was before you read his account? Why do you think it did/did not change? Use examples from the text to support your writing.

(see the answer keys)

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