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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What reason for practicing weapons drill does Pavlo give to Towers when asked?
(a) He can't stand still without practicing.
(b) Someone told him to.
(c) He is bored.
(d) In order to be a good soldier.

2. What happens after the whistle blows?
(a) A squad of army recruits enter.
(b) A messenger arrives.
(c) Ardell leaves the room.
(d) Pavlo runs out of the room.

3. Who breaks up the fight between Kress and Pavlo after the test?
(a) Parker.
(b) Towers.
(c) Pierce.
(d) Ardell.

4. What game does Hendrix challenge Pavlo to when they first meet?
(a) Pool.
(b) Trivia.
(c) Darts.
(d) Poker.

5. What does Pavlo remind Tower of when told he had to follow through on his punishment?
(a) He has to take care of the furnace.
(b) He will do it better than anyone else in the army.
(c) He does not feel well.
(d) He was not at fault.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who in Towers's story to the trainees did Towers surprise during World War II?

2. In the furnace room after Pierce accuses Pavlo's stories of being lies, what does Pierce ask Pavlo?

3. What does Pavlo also explain thinking about while holding the grenade?

4. Who does Pavlo says writes to him concerning Joanna?

5. What does Ardell do while helping Pavlo get dressed after his suicide attempt?

Short Essay Questions

1. Tower mentions the North Star more than a few times throughout the play, and finally in Act 2, Part 4. Up until this point, what are the possible meanings of these references to the North Star?

2. How has Pavlo dealt with struggles concerning his family/social relations? Could it be surmised that the "wound" Towers is referring to may also relate to Pavlo's wounds of the ill-effects of poor relationships throughout his life? How?

3. What may be the significance or playwright's purpose for Pavlo realizing he's dead so far along into the play and after the climax?

4. This is a play that bases its dramatizations of the main character's life by employing a "collage effect," scenes seemingly unrelated and presented in a somewhat random fashion but creating an artistic overall understanding of the plot. Explain how the scenes of this act add different perspectives to Pavlo's "collage effect."

5. In the final section, Act 2, Part 5, in what ways does the playwright employ an anti-war message?

6. How is Pavlo's understanding of acceptable social engagement impaired? Back up your answer with examples.

7. What could be surmised about Pavlo's thoughts from his comments to Miller about wanting to be on the front lines in Act 3, Part 2?

8. How can an implication of mixing Christ with war be understood, considering Brisbey's reference of Christ being "nailed?"

9. How is the incident of Pavlo taking the aspirin and not waking up during the other trainees' games symbolic? How is this foreshadowing?

10. Choose and explore one character trait of Pavlo that is revealed in the beginning of this play.

(see the answer keys)

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