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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 are Charlie and Thomas glad to leave behind?

2. On what day does Thomas say he was born?

3. What happens when the Germans go into retreat?

4. Who goes over the edge with the sergeant?

5. What is Sergeant Hanely's nickname?

Short Essay Questions

1. What news does Molly announce and how does Charlie respond?

2. How do Charlie, Thomas, and the rest of the regiment feel about the war during training?

3. How does Charlie bring Sergeant Hanley's wrath down on the regiment?

4. Who is in the bunker and what does Sergeant Hanley order his men to do?

5. What does the Colonel demand and how does he threaten Charlie's family?

6. What are Charlie and Thomas' company told to do one day?

7. How do Charlie and Thomas convince the Army that Thomas is old enough to join?

8. Why is Molly at Charlie and Thomas' house one day when they return from work and what has she brought with her?

9. Describe the fighting that occurs after the bombardment stops.

10. How do the men feel about Hanley's order, who voices that opinion, and what does Hanley say?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Thomas and Charlie. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Charlie and the Colonel. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems a more well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Private Peaceful help drive the plot and identify their contribution is to the story line. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by Private Peaceful. Questions that Morpurgo most likely wants readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Morpurgo' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Morpurgo' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Morpurgo and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Private Peaceful. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Morpurgo chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Morpurgo chooses the metaphors he does?

3. Discuss Morpurgo's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Morpurgo use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

(see the answer keys)

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