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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 happens to MacCrae a few weeks after Helen meets him?

2. Why is Helen rushing to meet Robert?

3. How does Linh feel when he sees a picture of Helen and Darrow on Darrow's table?

4. What does Gary think about working with Darrow?

5. In what kind of unit is Frank MacCrae serving?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Helen meet in the Special Forces and what does she learn from him and what happens to him?

2. What happens and who does Helen meet the first time she goes into the field with Darrow?

3. How does Linh feel when he sees a picture of Helen and Darrow and why does he feel that way? What does he think about the picture?

4. What happens to Linh after Helen leaves him and what does Linh think about the events of the day?

5. What was Linh's life like before he was drafted into the army?

6. Why did Helen's brother go to Vietnam?

7. What is Helen's first assignment from Gary?

8. How does Linh end up working for the North?

9. How does Helen feel about her relationship with Darrow and how does Darrow feel about it?

10. What happens when Helen and Linh arrive at the embassy?

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 Helen and Linh. 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 Linh and Darrow. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in The Lotus Eaters help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. 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

Characters are an important part of what makes The Lotus Eaters interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Helen. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Sam Darrow. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Linh. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as The Lotus Eaters help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Lotus Eaters? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in The Lotus Eaters to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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