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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. How long does it take for Tyson and his wife to consider the public's perception before undertaking any activity?

2. On what date was Ben Tyson supposed to have been reassigned while serving his country in Vietnam?

3. Marcy tells Ben that she bought a new car. What kind of car does she say she bought?

4. When Tyson arrives at his office after seeing the book for the first time, what does Tyson have his secretary do?

5. When Tyson left Sister Teresa at the end of their second meeting, what did Tyson agree to do for the next day's children's party?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Tyson refuse to call for those members of his platoon who are still alive to come to his defense?

2. As Tyson and his military attorney talk, what "true" battle story does Tyson share with his attorney?

3. How does the Lieutenant Colonel try to comfort Tyson when Tyson objects to the travel restriction?

4. After hearing the charges against him, what fact does Tyson point out that makes him feel that charges should never have been filed?

5. Why does Tyson excuse himself from the officer's club while he is dining with Marcy to meet a man outside?

6. After leaving Picard's house, Ben almost loses his life. What happens?

7. Why does Tyson object to the radius in which Tyson's travel is restricted to while he lives on the military base?

8. According to Tyson, it was standard practice in Vietnam that an officer had some enemy weapons to turn in with bodies of innocent civilians killed. Why?

9. When Tyson meets with the man who quietly suggests that Tyson leave the country, how does that meeting end?

10. Why is Ben Tyson afraid of following the advice given to him by his attorney just after Tyson learns of the book's existence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast how the character of Ben Tyson changes as the story progresses. Be sure to include your assessment of Tyson's character when he is first introduced in the story, when learns that he is being investigated for mass murder, when he is restricted to the base, during the court martial, and when Tyson's sentence is finally read. Use examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

The theme of loyalty is evident throughout the novel. Ben Tyson's loyalties, for instance, lie with himself, his family, and his platoon, and he refuses to divulge information regarding the hospital massacre because of that loyalty. Discuss how the theme of loyalty is portrayed through the eyes of Marcy Tyson, Andrew Picard, Richard Farley, and Vincent Corva. Support your observations.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Vincent Corva and Farnley Gilmer.

a. How are the two characters similar in terms of their professional lives? How are they different?

b. How are the two characters similar in their personality characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses? How are they different?

c. Looking forward, how might Tyson's court martial have affected each of these men as they moved forward with their lives? Would they be similarly affected or not? Explain your answers and your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

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