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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 Army position did the narrator hold?

2. Which is NOT a way Norman Bowker attempts to return to normal life?

3. What source of light gave away the platoon's position?

4. How does the narrator find relief from his feelings about the war?

5. What does Tim think would have happened if he ignored the man on the trail?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Henry Dobbins and Azar disagree about the girl's motive to dance?

2. Do you agree with Kiowa or Tim's point of view about the kill? Why?

3. What was Tim's first experience with death?

4. What is Norman's assessment of his valor and bravery?

5. Explain who feels blame for Kiowa's death.

6. How does Tim react to Bobby Jorgenson's failings as a medic?

7. How does Rat Kiley cope with the difficult mission of up all night, and sleeping during the day?

8. What is unique about the movements required of Alpha Company for this chapter's mission?

9. Contrast the two times Tim was shot.

10. What does the dancing girl symbolize to you?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story of Kiowa's death is told from at least two different point of views. Using all textual evidence and your own assumptions, what do you think really happened? What was the role of Norman Bowker, Lieutenant Cross, and Tim O'Brien? Who is the most responsible for Kiowa's death?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the war stories in "The Things They Carried," the men carry and discuss a certain superstition for luck. Detail places in the novel where luck is given importance, and explore its role in explaining the events happening around the platoon. How do the men treat the concept of luck? How does the narrator/author wish the reader to interpret luck as it applies to the various characters?

Essay Topic 3

Chronicle the beginning, growth, and ultimate end of the one of the following relationships: Curt Lemon/Rat Kiley; Dave Jensen/Lee Strunk. Be sure to explain how major and minor events affected the relationship, and how the surviving party handled the loss of a friend.

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