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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. Of what does Steven complain?

2. What is Col. Sellars missing?

3. Why is Grey angry?

4. What POW camp is Marlowe in before coming to Changi?

5. Who learns to cook the weed gratis?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Marlowe astound the King?

2. What does Lt. Grey think should happen to the diamond and what does Larkin reply?

3. What are Max, Tex and Marlowe doing at the opening of Chapter 9 and why?

4. Describe Max.

5. Why does Marlowe run for his water bottle?

6. What do the King, Marlowe and Max talk about concerning the rat project?

7. What secret does the King leak to the Australians and how does Marlowe react to the news?

8. What message does Grey get and how does he respond?

9. What does Malowe learn about rats?

10. What does Vexley teach and how does it help the rat business?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 6, Marlowe's stories demonstrate how racism is integral to the Asian war.

1. Using Marlowe's stories in Chapter 6, discuss how racism adds to the normal atrocities of the war in the Pacific theater.

2. Research and discuss the Japanese racial beliefs in connection both with other Asian nations and with non-Oriental nations.

3. Research and discuss how the Americans used racism against the Japanese for propaganda in gaining support for the war in the Pacific. How do you think American racism influenced how Americans treat Japanese prisoners?

4. How much do you think racism play in the Japanese internment camps in the United States during WWII?

Essay Topic 2

Chapter 6 examines camp justice, where the many must be protected from the dishonest few. Being kicked out of a regiment is tantamount to death, which would come more swiftly and violently if the theft were publicized.

1. Though narration suggests there are few dishonest POWs, it seems the book is replete with examples of dishonesty in one form or another by many of the main characters. Discuss the fact that bribery seems rampant in the camp. What are the forms of bribery? Who participates? Is it moral? Can it be justified on the basis of the instinct to survive?

2. Though there seems to be much rule-breaking, there is still honor among thieves...sometimes. Discuss instances of when someone such as the King is honorable and why. Discuss instances of when someone who seems honest is not and why they are not. Which person is more despicable? Explain.

3. Do you think possessions and "marketing" should be regulated and supervised? Why or why not?

4. Black marketing seems to be looked at quite differently than outright thievery. Discuss the difference between the two.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Compare/contrast Col Smedly-Taylor with Col. Kennedy . Who seems more powerful? What are each goals? Are both either all good or all evil? Who is more likable? How do both use their political power?

2. Compare/contrast Capt. Brough to Lt. Grey. How are their goals similar and/or different? What is the difference in the way they interact with people? Who is more idealistic? Harsh? Powerful?

3. Compare/contrast the way the Americans military is structured and how the men interact within their ranks to that of the British. Who is more strictly organized? Who has more rules and regulations? Which group would you prefer to belong to? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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