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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. Why does Pyle suddenly want to leave the Continental?

2. How does Fowler get to the city of Phat Diem?

3. Is Fowler listening closely to Pyle's ideas about war?

4. What does Miss Hei tell Pyle when he and Phuong return to the table?

5. Why does Vigot tell Fowler he is a suspect in the murder?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Granger say about covering a war?

2. How does Phuong take the news of Pyle's death?

3. What signifies a difference in dress between the South and the North of Vietnam?

4. Tell of Alden Pyle's fascination with York Harding.

5. What language does Pyle use that Fowler sees as boyish and naive?

6. What is so annoying about the letter from Pyle that is waiting for Fowler when he finally gets home?

7. What information does Phuong give Fowler?

8. At the press conference, what is the French colonel's response to the question of French casualties?

9. What new complication is Fowler struggling with besides the possibility of losing to Pyle?

10. What is the superstition in Vietnam about lovers who smoke opium?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using the Caodaists as an example, write a paper about religious cultism and why you think people join them. There are enough converts to this cult to make it a viable player in the war. Historically, however, there have always been cults and people who flock to them to their own destruction. It is this feature of cultism that gives them their power in numbers. Look up some examples of other cult religions and compare the Caodaists to them.

Essay Topic 2

Young idealistic men often think of war as something glamorous. Using the descriptions in the book, write a paper about the horrors of war. To do this, use the description of the massacre at Phat Diem, the bomb explosion in Saigon, the ignoble assassination of Pyle, and Trouin's description of the use of napalm. Pyle comes to Vietnam, ignores the advice and observations of men who have been there for years, and idolizes York Harding. Show how this makes him idealistic and sure that he is invulnerable.

Essay Topic 3

Write a paper expressing your opinion about Pyle setting out to take Phuong away from Fowler. Regardless of the war and Fowler's orders to return to London, was Pyle right or wrong to interfere in Fowler's attachment to Phuong? For one who prides himself on honesty, Pyle is quite aware of the impending departure of Fowler. He had only to bide his time and Fowler would be out of the picture. Whether he admits it to himself or not, Pyle's behavior is much like a rooster trying to establish his dominance in the hen yard.

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