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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 Yoshima revoke when he cannot find the radio?

2. About what does the King caution Marlowe?

3. What does Grey find on the King when he catches him?

4. How do Marlowe and Ewart fumigate the bed?

5. What does Jones order Blakely to do?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the negotiations for the diamond.

3. Who does the King invite to start up a rat breeding operation and what is the plan?

4. Describe the transaction between the King and Shagata.

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

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

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

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

9. Describe the "birthday party" of the elite who are invited to a barbecue.

10. How do Marlowe, Larkin and Smedly-Taylor decide to pass on the news to the camp after getting the radio working and what is the result?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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