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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. Who addresses the trainees when called to formation in Act 1, Part 2?
(a) Ardell.
(b) Towers.
(c) Captain A.
(d) A stand-in messenger for the Sergeant.

2. Where do the Corporal and Pavlo meet for the first time?
(a) The swimming pool.
(b) At a bar.
(c) The recreation hall.
(d) During drill.

3. What does Pavlo do when he sees Pierce coming after being beaten up by the other trainees?
(a) Grabs a book and pretends to read.
(b) Runs back to the barracks pretending to have forgotten something.
(c) Stands up and salutes him.
(d) Begins to cry quietly.

4. How does Tower conclude his weapon drill in Act 1, Part 3?
(a) Making the trainees stand outside for 5 hours.
(b) Taking the trainees on a hunting trip with no guns.
(c) Taking the trainees on a 5 mile run.
(d) Making the soldiers make their beds five times in a row.

5. Along with one other soldier, who must repeat their basic training?
(a) Kress.
(b) Hinkle.
(c) Parker.
(d) Pierce.

Short Answer Questions

1. After Pavlo is finally redressed, what does Ardell comment upon as the trainees leave the barrack?

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

3. What was Pavlo's reason to Pierce for telling stories in the furnace room?

4. Who breaks up the fight between Kress and Pavlo after the test?

5. What did Pavlo have thrown over him when he once entered the barracks?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the possible complexities of symbolism behind Pavlo's wound in this play.

2. Using the fragmentary nature of the plot line thus far as a platform, describe the impression it has on the way by which the audience will begin to learn about the main character.

3. Theorize on the effect that the two stabbings have on Pavlo in Act 2, Part 3.

4. 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?

5. In what ways do the scenes where Pavlo displays helplessness give insight into the reasons for Pavlo's drive to become a better or "good" soldier?

6. How does the action unfolding in Act 2, Part 4 blur the line between delusion and reality in Pavlo's mind?

7. What noteworthy aspect to Pavlo is hinted at in his story about Joanna, and what does it reveal to the audience about a possibly consistent trait of his character and experience?

8. Explain how Tower's instructions on chest wounds can be directly related to Pavlo's emotional wounds.

9. Theorize about what Yen might represent to Pavlo beyond the opportunity for sex.

10. How does Pavlo's egocentrism and immaturity play a part in misleading him from the identity he so strongly desires?

(see the answer keys)

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