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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 does Kien discover about his fathers painting when he goes to warn him?

2. What does Phuong finally tell Kien about their future in the form of a note?

3. What does Phuong finally say to Kien?

4. What does Phuong urge Kien to do after they hear the siren?

5. Why does Phuong accompany Kien on the train when they sign up for the war effort?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was Phuong forced to become?

2. Why does Kien kill the Sailor on the Train?

3. Why is the image of the storm symbolic for Kien?

4. At what bar does Kien meet the young prostitute and other ex-soldiers from the war?

5. Why is the letter that Kien receives important?

6. Why does Kien discover about his father's paintings?

7. Why is Kien taunted by the other soldiers in the abandoned school?

8. What is symbolic about the farm that Kien and his comrades visit?

9. Why does Kien refuse to sleep with Phuong before the war?

10. Why does Kien almost kill himself?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One theme of the novel is survivor guilt. Discuss how this theme is presented in the story.

Essay Topic 2

Identify three major themes of the story. How are they expressed in the character of Kien?

Essay Topic 3

In what ways does Phuong change throughout the book? Explain in detail

(see the answer keys)

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