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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. Why does Martinez refuse to be in charge of other men?

2. As the weather turns for the worse and the tents are being blown away, what is the general mood of the men?

3. What have the soliders been doing in the five weeks they have been on the island?

4. During the first days of the troops being on the island, how have the Japanese resistance reacted?

5. In Part 2, Chapter 2, who does Mantelli send to Croft's platoon?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Croft's feelings aboutHearn joining the platoon?

2. As the men are on the transport boats, they begin to hear gunfire. In your own words, how does the narrator describe this event?

3. Why does Hearn think that a relationship with Croft will be difficult?

4. In Part 2, Chapter 7, the American troops engage some Japanese soldiers. What are Red and Gallagher's reactions to how Croft handles the situation?

5. Describe Dalleson's advancement in the army and how he feels about his current position.

6. How did Wakara feel about Japan as a child compared to how he feels about it as an adult?

7. How does the narrator describe the quietness of the jungle?

8. Why does Hearn dislike Conn, Hobart, and Dalleson?

9. What are Hearn's feeling as he thinks about the platoon, Cummings, and Croft?

10. What is the general mood on board of the ship as the men leave the island?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mailer uses a common literary tool of a flashback in a very unusual way. This purpose of this method is to provide the reader with additional information about the characters.

1) What is the time machine?

2) How does Mailer use this story telling method for character development?

3) Do any of the character learn anything from remembering their past and comparing it to the present?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the main themes in this book. Write an essay discussing the theme and provide example supporting why you think is if a main theme for the story.

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of examples of rejection throughout this novel.

1) Give at least two examples of rejection seen on the island.

2) Give at least two examples of rejection seen in the soldiers younger lives.

3) Describe how this rejection effects various soldiers.

4) Some of the soldiers appear hardened and, therefore, do not care what the others think. Do you think these soldiers are still effected by rejection?

(see the answer keys)

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