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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. Where do the men of Cpl. Bertrand's squad hope to be sent for rest?

2. Why do the other men try to coax Volpatte into sharing his story?

3. Where does Volpatte overhear the gossip of the gentlemen at the depot?

4. How long was Volpatte on leave to recover from his injury?

5. Who are the anonymous individuals who make speculations in the first chapter?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does the German in the refuge say and wonder about God?

3. What is the attitude of the men towards the journalists?

4. How does Poterloo sneak behind enemy lines?

5. What do the men of the squad think about the shirkers?

6. Describe the encounter that the narrator and Paradis have with the four German soldiers.

7. During his six-day leave, how much time is Eudore able to share with his wife?

8. How do the men feel about their "treasures"?

9. In Chapter 15, how do the men react to the lack of supplies?

10. What is Volpatte's opinion of the phrase, "If we do return"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Despair is a constant threat in the novel. Many characters find unique ways to fight against despair and some are consumed by it. It is the source of strange behavior and adaptive strategies, and the cause of some seemingly suicidal actions.

Part 1) Explain the theme of despair as it occurs in the novel. How does this threat compare to other threats of trench life and warfare?

Part 2) Discuss some of the strategies some of the men develop to stave off despair. How well do these strategies fare. Explain examples of the men falling into complete despair.

Part 3) Using examples from the last chapters of the book, give a last analysis of the theme of despair. How much does it affect the men overall? How successful can they be, in the end, in fighting it off?

Essay Topic 2

This novel is alleged to be semi auto-biographical, and there are strong hints that the narrator of the story is the author. Still, little is revealed about the narrator, although it is clear that he is not like the other men of the squad.

Part 1) Describe as many details about the narrator as possible. What are his personality traits? What is his background and history?

Part 2) Explain what sets the narrator apart from the other men of the squad. How is he different in speech, action, and thought? What does this say about his character?

Part 3) What evidence exists to suggest that the author and narrator are the same person? Is there any evidence to the contrary? What is the author's intent in this regard?

Part 4) Describe the literary intent of suggesting, but never confirming, that the narrator is the author.

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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