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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 Miss Hei not like Fowler?

2. How does Pyle treat Phuong when they first meet?

3. What does Fowler find when he returns to Saigon?

4. After Pyle leaves, what does Phuong do for Fowler?

5. Fowler, who is British, has developed what feeling about Vietnam?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Granger say about covering a war?

2. The morning after Pyle's murder, what is Phuong's concern?

3. When Fowler moves out with a patrol getting out of the area of Phat Diem, who comes in the middle of the night? Why had he come?

4. What does Fowler see when he goes to Phat Diem?

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

6. Describe the old women on the street near Thomas Fowler's apartment.

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

8. After Pyle and Phuong dance, how does the conversation go between Pyle and Miss Hei?

9. Why does Fowler want to answer Vigot's questions quickly and get out of his office?

10. What news does Bill Granger offer about the war in the North when the Economic Attache asks?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write your opinion as to whether Graham Greene glamorizes the use of opium in the novel. About the only negative thing mentioned as to opium use in the novel is the negative effects it has on the libido after four pipes. Fowler is quite open about his usage. Vigot is obviously aware of it. Is there a certain glamor implied in the fact that the beautiful Phuong serves Fowler the pipes much like serving tea? With illegal drug usage so rampant in today's world, what is your opinion of the drug use in the novel? Do you think Greene is advocating opium usage or just telling it like it was?

Essay Topic 2

In Asian culture, younger siblings are expected to follow the wishes of their elders. Write a paper about Miss Hei's involvement in having Phuong move in with Pyle. Discuss how the question of Fowler's age was never a consideration. Miss Hei is acting as a matchmaker on behalf of her sister and her primary consideration is financial security. With what you know about Fowler and Pyle, all things being equal, is one better able to provide for Phuong than the other? Explain your answer in depth.

Essay Topic 3

Granger typifies the concept of the ugly American. Write a paper explaining what that means and how Granger is a perfect example. To write this paper you must put yourself in the shoes of people from another culture. Americans abroad often adopt the attitude that because they enjoy so many freedoms at home, they should be treated deferentially abroad. Compare Granger's attitude toward not getting straight answers to Fowler's not even bothering to write a story he knows will not get past the censors.

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