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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. Joe would think he was dead except why?

2. Why does Joe Bonham wish someone would pick up the phone?

3. What does Joe wonder about when he thinks of the foxhole?

4. Why won't the doctors kill Joe now?

5. What skill do Joe and his friends master?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Joe think he might be able to tell being awake and asleep with no eyes?

2. What does Joe want to stop and why?

3. Who is the pilot who comes to Joe's hometown, what does he do and what does the superintendent of schools say about airplanes?

4. What does Joe think about guys fighting for liberty?

5. What does Joe think guys should do when called up for the military?

6. Describe how Joe is feeling while working in the desert.

7. As Joe's pain fades some what does he think about and how does he feel about being deaf?

8. Who does Joe call out to in his nightmare and why?

9. What book did Joe read that gave him a nightmare and what was that nightmare?

10. How does Joe realize he has no left arm and how does he feel about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Imagery and symbols play a large role in this story. Discuss one of the following:

1. Choose one recurring image or symbol and analyze it and show how it relates to two major themes.

2. Discuss why you think that someone in Joe's situation would include much imagery in his thought processes.

3. Why do you think any author uses images and symbols rather than clearly expressing an idea? Give examples to support your stance.

Essay Topic 2

When Joe is boarding the train to go to boot camp after being drafted, he describes a scene of bands playing, flags waving and women and children calling out to their beloved husbands, sons, and brothers who are leaving for war. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think men (and now women also) are often sent off to war in an almost-festive-like atmosphere?

2. Does this send off make it harder or easier for Joe Bonham to march off to war? Explain.

3. If sending men and women off to war were treated like a funeral, do you think it would impact those leaving in a positive or negative way? Explain.

4. How would the political powers be impacted if war were viewed differently by a funeral-like send off?

Essay Topic 3

In one of the first chapters, Joe Bonham is thinking about an airplane that comes to town when he is young and the wonderful thing that it is. Discuss the following:

1. Contrast the theme of flying and the freedom it suggests to Joe's situation.

2. What kind of freedom is possible for someone in Joe's post-injury life?

3. WWI is, in a sense, fought over the concept of freedom. Discuss the irony of Joe fighting in a war for "freedom."

(see the answer keys)

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