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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. Which of the following was considered an aggravating circumstance in the veteran's case?

2. In Chapter 11, a general schedules a curfew for what period of time everyday?

3. According to Cocon, each regiment includes how many non-combatants?

4. What is the squad's duty at night?

5. Why do the men agree that being unluckily killed or luckily staying alive are not the same thing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is meant by the phrase that each poilu "carries his crowd along"?

2. What happens when the refuge is shelled by artillery?

3. What is Poterloo's mental state when he and the narrator discover the remains of Souchez?

4. What are the men's hopes and fears as their last day of leave approaches?

5. How has the squad been reduced in numbers when Chapter 20 opens?

6. What does Volpatte do at the depot after recovering from his injuries?

7. According to the author, what is important about the men writing letters home?

8. How do the men first meet Eudoxie, and what is Lamuse doing when they do?

9. Describe the conditions in which the squad digs the trench in Chapter 23.

10. What are some of the predictions made by the invalids?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many types of forces and divisions within the French army are discussed in the book. The poilus are the mainstay of the French forces, but there are many others, including the Territorials, the Zouaves, and the Foreign Legion.

Part 1) Describe in detail at least three forces in the French army besides the poilus. Using information from the book, discuss their composition, their armaments, and their strengths and weaknesses.

Part 2) Using examples from the book, explain how each of these groups performs a vital function in the French army that helps to support the poilus.

Part 3) Explain how the poilus relate to each of these others forces. How often do they work in close connection? What is the poilus' opinion of each group?

Essay Topic 2

Lamuse is a unique character with strange, but internally consistent behavior. He is eccentric, but extremely loyal to his squad. Among the many normal men the narrator describes being drawn into the war, Lamuse learns to adapt well and demonstrates his strong character at many points in the novel.

Part 1) Describe Lamuse as a character. Who is he? Where does he come from? What is his appearance? What are his personality traits?

Part 2) The narrator often uses comparisons to various animals to describe Lamuse. Cite some of these examples and explain their purpose. What do these comparisons establish about Lamuse?

Part 3) Explain some of Lamuse's eccentricities and odd behavior, as well as some ways that he demonstrates his loyalty and dedication to the squad.

Essay Topic 3

Corporal Bertrand is the aloof leader of the narrator's squad. The men respect his leadership, and he clearly is capable, most of his men having earned medals for their exploits.

Part 1) Describe Cpl. Bertrand as a character. What are his major character traits? What sets him apart, other than his rank, from the other members of the squad?

Part 2) What evidence suggests that Cpl. Bertrand is a capable leader? How does he earn the loyalty of the men who serve under his command?

Part 3) Explain, using examples from the book, what Cpl. Bertrand's leadership style is like in action. How does this contribute to the functioning of the squad?

(see the answer keys)

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