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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 Dr. Prudhomme announce?

2. About what is the King thinking when he spies a man talking with a native?

3. For what do the Korean guards search?

4. What did Smedly-Taylor ask of Cox and Daven?

5. How does Marlowe learn that the King has a temper?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the Provost Marshal and what is he doing at the opening of Chapter 1.

2. Why does Lt. Grey arrest two of Larkin's men and what is Larkin's response?

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

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

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

6. Describe Flt. Lt. Peter Marlowe.

7. Describe the first meeting between The King and Marlowe.

8. Describe Steven.

9. Who does Col. Brant reprimand and for what reason?

10. Describe Lt. Grey.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lt. Grey accepts the principle of the lesser evil and that the ends justify the means. Discuss the following:

1. Define and discuss the phase "the ends justifies the means"?

2. What is the "ends" for the men in Changi? What is the means of obtaining that end? Is the means always good? Moral? Justified?

3. Can someone in such a situation as Changi choose to always take the "high road" and still survive? Do any of the characters do so? Discuss with examples.

Essay Topic 2

Religion/spirituality often plays a role in a person's ability to survive difficult circumstances. Discuss the following:

1. Choose 5 characters and discuss how religion and/or spirituality plays a role in their lives at Changi. How important is faith to each character? Does faith contribute significantly to the character's survival? How about the character's choices he makes during the incarceration at Changi?

2. Compare/contrast Theo Drinkwater with Father Donovan. Which man seems more sincere? Which seems to truly be interested in the men's welfare? Who seems to live his beliefs the clearest? Is either man all good or all bad? Why or why not.

3. How much of a role would your religious/spiritual beliefs play in your life if you were in Changi?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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