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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 Phuong urge Kien to do after they hear the siren?

2. What almost happens between them?

3. Why does Kien make his first 'kill'?

4. What is the difference between the writing Kien performs during the day and that which he writes at night?

5. What profession did Kien's father hold?

Short Essay Questions

1. What musical instrument did Phuong play as a child, which indicates to Kien that she is a troubled soul?

2. Where do Kien and Phuong go to escape when they hear about the war?

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

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

5. What was Phuong forced to become?

6. What is the significance of the tram driver who takes Kien home from the cafe?

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

8. Describe Kien's parents

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

10. What does Kien hallucinate about his nurse in Hanoi?

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

Kien was never in love with the real Phuong. Is this statement true or false? Explain your answer with details from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Examine the character of Kien in the story. What are his strengths and weaknesses?

(see the answer keys)

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