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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Part 3, Chapter 2, why do the men become uneasy as they leave the jungle?

2. The men hiking up the mountain eventually reach a four-foot gap and are forced to jump and continue. Roth has become weak and feels he can not make it across. What are Roth's final thoughts as he falls through the four-foot gap in the ledge?

3. The groups of men carrying Wilson back to the beach are beginning to have a difficult time. They are tired and running out of water, additionally they are beginning to fight, who suggests the men leave Wilson behind?

4. As Martinez becomes weaker and more tired due to the journey up the mountain, he begins having hallucinations. In these hallucinations, Martinez sees the face of the dead Japanese guard. What effect does this vision have on him?

5. During a flashback of Cummings, the reader learns that he enjoyed sewing and sketching as a child, however his father did not approve. What was his father's action upon learning Cummings was partaking in womanly activities?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the book, the reader is shown glimpses of the men's lives back home. How does the author use the literary tool of flashback throughout the novel? Is the presence of flashback used effectively, and what does it provide for the reader?"

Essay Topic 3

Croft seems to have a lot of inner conflict that possibly began before the war and has only intensified since.

1) How does this conflict affect his relationships with the men in his command?

2) How does this conflict affect his relationships with men at and above his own rank?

3) If Croft was not in this story, how might the ending be different?

(see the answer keys)

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