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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 Hawkins' dog do?

2. What is the doctor's consolation to Marlowe if he has to amputate?

3. What does Shagata report?

4. What does the King explain to Marlowe in an effort to soothe Marlowe?

5. What does Shagata do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dr. Kennedy say about Marlowe's arm?

2. Describe the pursuit and escape of Marlowe with the money.

3. With what does Larkin surprise Marlowe and why does he do so?

4. Describe the negotiations for the diamond.

5. Why will the airfield detail have an agreeable aspect to it?

6. How do Marlowe and the King reestablish their friendship after the King blows up at Marlowe about the radio?

7. What happens when the King offers Marlowe $108 dollars as Marlowe's take in the transaction with Prouty's watch?

8. Describe Marlowe's visit with McCoy in the infirmary.

9. How do Marlowe and the King go outside to wire, and where do they go?

10. Describe the scene where Marlowe acts as a go-between.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 12, as the King haggles with Torusumi about selling a wath, King is very much aware of the fact that saving Face is an essential element of the Asian mindset. If the King gives Torusumi the opportunity to save face, it will make for a more successful transaction and keep Torusumi from seeking revenge. Discuss the following:

1. Research the concept of "saving face" and write in your own words a definition for the concept.

2. How does the King allow Torusumi to "save face"?

3. Does the King seem concerned with saving face in this transaction? What about in any other situation in the book?

4. Which characters seem concerned with saving face? How do they demonstrate this?

Essay Topic 2

Lt. Grey feels in a moral quandary about using paper from a Bible to roll cigarettes. Discuss the following:

1. Discuss several moral quandaries in which various characters find themselves. What usually wins out: morality or survival?

2. Are all the moral choices about survival? Are there other moral choices the characters have to make that has nothing to do with their survival--or are all choices in a place such as Changi linked to survival?

3. Discuss five characters and the limits they put upon themselves as far as their choices between right and wrong. In other words, do the characters have a point at which they will not go beyond even to ensure their survival?

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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