View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In Part 3, Chapter 14, why is the captain of the boat upset?

2. As the soldier's carry Wilson to the beach, his continually complains that he is thirsty. However the men say he can not drink any water with his injury. What is the explanation they give Wilson for not being allowed any water?

3. What background does Ridges have that leads him to enjoy physical work?

4. How long does Cummings suspect it will take for men to breach the Toyaku Line?

5. What is the name of the mountain Croft is determined to climb?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The following essay will be on the Inner conflict of Cummings. Write an essay to address the following questions.

1) Describe the inner conflict of Cummings.

2) How did Cummings deal with his own conflict.

3) Cummings kept this conflict private except in one instance with Hearn. Describe that instance and explain how Hearn's feelings toward Cummings changed.

4) Be the end of the story, had Cummings come to terms with his inner conflict?

Essay Topic 2

The men were inundated with fighting, illness, death, and injury while on the island. These events seem to cause each man to think about his own life and his own chances of leaving the island alive.

1) What are some of the superstitions held by the men on the island?

2) Do these superstitions serve as a type of foreshadowing?

3) Explain your answer by providing examples.

Essay Topic 3

Mailer uses the literary technique often throughout this book. Describe what a flashback is and why it is used in literature.

1) How does Mailer use the writing technique?

2) What is the significance of the flashbacks in this novel?

3) Do you think the flashbacks enhanced the story, why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 346 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample