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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. What did the man in the Corporal's story do to the two Vietnamese people?

2. What is Hinkle ordered to do upon the realization that Pavlo is close to death?

3. What is Ardell's first comment when he enters the barracks, in Act 1, Part 4?

4. What is Ardell's reason for not believing what he's seeing in Pavlo's mind?

5. Who addresses the trainees when called to formation in Act 1, Part 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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."

2. In this brief section of Act 2, Part 3, how is Pavlo again confronted with a vivid reminder of the destruction involved in war?

3. 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.

4. How is Brisbey's talk on the depth of the ocean a metaphorical slight towards Pavlo?

5. In what ways are the playwright's use of the "collage effect" of creation especially poignant in this act?

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

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

8. How are the depths of Pavlo's innocence defined in this scene?

9. In this scene, Pavlo seems unable to do anything for himself and is guided by the other characters' help to get dressed and go through the motions of what he is "supposed" to do. What similarities can be found between this external dressing of Pavlo and running thematic points throughout the play in general?

10. The image of the closed coffin is the final component of the play's collage, the last piece of the puzzle that once was Pavlo's life. Describe it's effects, and comment on the general purpose of the play overall.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

We see how both aspects to Pavlo's character, his innocence and his fear of helplessness, lead him to a re-definition of identity. Explain this is a thematically relevant aspect to his story using examples from the play.

Essay Topic 3

How are the play's three central elements - style, character, and theme - introduced vividly and succinctly in the opening scenes of this play? Conversely, what form of plot has Rabe employed, and what effect does it have on the audience? Use examples from the book to explain your thoughts, giving a clear outline of the chosen style of plot line.

(see the answer keys)

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