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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 shocks Marlowe about Samson?
2. How much does the King take as his commission?
3. What does Grey find on the King when he catches him?
4. What does Shagata report?
5. What does the King tell the officers that sobers them briefly as they are laughing and playing?
Short Essay Questions
1. Describe the transaction between the King and Shagata.
2. Describe Tiny Timsen.
3. Who intercepts Lt. Grey as he goes to arrest Prouty and Marlowe, and why does Grey allow himself to be distracted?
4. What happens when Lt. Grey stumbles from illness and what is the result?
5. How does Marlowe manage to obtain a radio and what is the King's reaction?
6. With what does Larkin surprise Marlowe and why does he do so?
7. What happens when the King offers Marlowe $108 dollars as Marlowe's take in the transaction with Prouty's watch?
8. Describe the negotiations between Timsen and the King for medical help for Marlowe.
9. Describe the negotiations for the diamond.
10. How does Lt. Grey compromise his honor and what is his reaction after doing so?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Discuss one of the following:
1. Trace and analyze the theme of power in KING RAT. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with power? Why? What are some symbols of power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?
2. Trace and analyze the theme of survival in KING RAT. What characters are most concerned with survival? Why? What are some symbols of survival? Symbols of resignation? What characters seem determined to survive? Which ones seem not to care about survival? What is the difference between how the two types live?
3. Trace and analyze the theme of nationalism/patriotism. How does the POWs from each nation view patriotism/nationalism? Is patriotism important to the POWs? What about the Korean guards? The Japanese?
Essay Topic 2
In any situation where a group of men are confined for many months or years, sexual urges often are expressed in homosexual acts, though the men may not be homosexual and do not continue having homosexual relations after joining society. Discuss the following:
1. Trace and analyze the theme of homosexuality throughout the novel. Is it generally accepted or scorned? Is homosexuality practiced by men in all ranks and nationalities?
2. Even if you have reservations about homosexuality from a moral and/or social standpoint, do you think such behavior under the circumstances of a place like Changi is understandable? Morally acceptable? Justifiable?
3. In chapter 18, Rodrick tells Marlowe that Sean was ordered to play the part of a woman on stage, although, at first, he is reluctant to do so. Do you think that should be considered a lawful order, punishable by court martial if Sean refuses? Is the order fair? What do you think is the rationale behind ordering Sean to get up on stage and play a woman? Is it for his protection (so he can say he was ordered and would not be harassed)? For the psychological health of the men? Or both?
Essay Topic 3
"Politics" and manipulation influence much of what happens in KING RAT. Discuss one of the following:
1. Describe the political situation in KING RAT and how it impacts the actions of three of the major characters.
2. Discuss and analyze several people who try to manipulate others and their responses to the manipulators.
3. Do you think the Politics of a group of civilians in a similar situation would be different from that of the military, which has a system of rank that in some ways limits politics? Or does a military structure limit politics?
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This section contains 1,623 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) |
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