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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 do the troops have to do if they see someone coming?

2. Who is Mandella's second in command?

3. Why does Mandella not put a stop to the alcohol?

4. Where do Marygay's parents live?

5. What city do Marygay and Mandella decide to visit first?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why can the hospital not help Mandella's mother in Chapter 11, Part 2?

2. How does the battle end in Chapter 7, Part 3?

3. How does the army recruit in modern society in Chapter 2, Part 3?

4. How has Mandella's mother's life changed since he last saw her?

5. Summarize The Forever War story.

6. What problems do Mandella and Moore identify when they explore the ship?

7. How do Marygay and Mandella think the war has changed the world?

8. What is Mandella's mother's condition when he arrives back in Washington in Chapter 11, Part 2?

9. What are Rhonda's reasons for her sexual relationship with Mandella's mother?

10. Why does it seem that there are only two battles in the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Haldeman use character and dialogue to drive the narrative?

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Aside from the main character, examine the way Haldeman uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have?

Essay Topic 2

Examine homosexuality in the novel. Is it a feasible idea that the majority of the population could become homosexual? What would have to change on today's Earth for that to happen?

Essay Topic 3

Pick a character from the novel and discuss his/her goals and motives. Does he/she achieve his/her motives? Why? Does he/she share similar goals and motives with other characters? Does his/her goals clash with other characters? How do the character's goals and motives affect his/her interactions with each other?

(see the answer keys)

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