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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. How does Pavlo first respond to the army recruits?

2. What is the general response of the trainees to Hinkle's discovery about Pavlo's being in bed for too long?

3. Where and when does this story take place?

4. What happens after the whistle blows?

5. What does the Corporal say it is easy to do in Vietnam?

Short Essay Questions

1. Although Kress seems to be convinced that Pavlo is stupid, is this an accurate assumption? Why or why not?

2. Pavlo seems to respond to events in many different ways. Explain how his response to Pierce, when Pierce urges him to fight back, can be viewed as a highly perceptive and telling one for the audience about Pavlo's life views.

3. 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."

4. How is Pavlo egocentric, almost childish? Explore the ways in which these traits are dramatized.

5. 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?

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

7. What character traits can be seen from Pavlo as he struggles throughout this play thus far, in his attempt to become a good soldier. Provide evidence/examples.

8. Explore the reasons why Pavlo might be desperate for a new identity.

9. Consider the graphic scenes presented in this part, and think about the word "mutilation." Employ this word to describe the deeper meanings of what is happening in these scenes. How are things, people, and ideas mutilated throughout this scene?

10. How is Pavlo made to feel helpless in Part 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify, connect, and examine all elements of foreshadowing you can find in this play, not excluding these subjects: A) Pavlo's death (2x's) B) Pavlo's failure with women C) Pavlo's helplessness. Combine all moments of foreshadowing and use them to make your own opinions about Rabe's style and use of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

In the early scenes Ardell is seen to be something of a guide, showing Pavlo both the way into death and the way into himself, but in one scene he becomes a manifestation or externalization of Pavlo's inner drive to be a good soldier. This is illustrated by the way he drills Pavlo on the use of his weapon, and in later scenes, he performs similar instructional functions in similar circumstances. Identify and explain other moments during which Ardell becomes an externalization of Pavlo's inner life.

Essay Topic 3

Rabe's anti-war message comes through loud and clear in several ways in the final scenes of the play. Find at least 5 moments during which Rabe sends his message and explain how each moment is employed to be clear and strong. Conclude by explaining what you believe might be the play's thematic warning about war in general and what it ultimately offers to humanity.

(see the answer keys)

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