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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 Helen and Darrow do the night they meet after dinner?

2. What does Helen arrange for Linh?

3. How do Darrow, Gary and Linh feel about Helen when they meet her?

4. What job does Helen have in Saigon?

5. What does Helen start to do so the soldiers will respect her?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Helen meet Annick and what happens when she does?

2. Who does Helen meet at the river and what do they discuss?

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

4. What happens in the evening of Helen's first trip into the field?

5. How does Helen finally get to be seen like one of the boys?

6. How did Linh end up working for Sam Darrow?

7. How does Helen meet Darrow and what happens when she does?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of trust in The Lotus Eaters. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with trust? Why? What are some symbols of trust? Symbols of distrust? What characters seem trustworthy? Untrustworthy?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in The Lotus Eaters. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death in The Lotus Eaters. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with death? Why? What are some symbols of death? Symbols of life? What characters seem to want to die?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Lotus Eaters, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in The Lotus Eaters. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

It is true that Helen is addicted to war. She liked Vietnam upon arrival. Her family connection had brought her from the U.S. to the country at the beginning of the war. Others, such as Darrow, did not take her seriously at first, partly because many people were interested in seeing what was going on but few had the guts or wherewithal to understand or brave the real action. Besides, Helen was a young female and did not have the tarnish like many of the professionals that worked in the country.

Helen manages to keep at least some of her optimism. In many ways she does seem to be charmed. Many wonder if her risks and sacrifices are worth the pay off. In Helen's mind, there are no choices. She must stay in Saigon until the very last moment. Helen believes that she will survive.

1. Do you think someone can be addicted to war? Why or why not? Do you think Helen is? Use examples from your own life and the book to support your reasoning.

2. Discuss the various ways in which Helen is discriminated against because she is a woman. Include your opinion as to whether a female reporter in Iraq today would have the same problems. Use examples from your own life and the book to support your reasoning.

3. Do you think the risks Helen takes indicates she has some sort of death wish or that she might be mentally unstable or do you think the risks is worth the photographs? Use examples from your own life and the book to support your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

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