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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 did Tyson try to comfort the mother of the only man in his platoon to die inside the hospital?

2. When did Tyson originally sign the military oath that Levin assures him is still valid for his court martial?

3. What is the name of one of the sources cited by Andrew Picard for his book?

4. Who agrees to represent Ben Tyson at his court martial?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. When Tyson and his wife attend his party, what new feeling does Tyson's wife experience?

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

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

7. When Tyson and Marcy go to the officer's club to have dinner, why is Tyson rude to the person he introduces to Marcy?

8. How much money does Tyson's military attorney agree to represent Tyson for?

9. When being questioned by the government investigator, Tyson realizes that his story is full of holes, but sticks to it anyway. Why?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Steven Brandt seems to be a man who is supremely confident in his ability to come out on top. Identify at least three instances from the story that highlight his confidence. How is Brandt helped by his utter confidence? How is Brandt hurt by his confidence? Provide examples of each.

Essay Topic 2

DeMille uses this story to examine the role that truth plays in our personal and national history, as well as in our daily lives. Examine the author's beliefs through his storytelling. Why would the author choose this story to overlay his demonstration of the consequences realized when the truth is distorted or hidden? What did you learn from the author's discussion on truth? What other avenues, if any, could the author have used to express his beliefs? Would those avenues have been as effective as the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the course of the novel, Ben Tyson is involved with two quite different women. Compare and contrast the relationship Ben has with Marcy to the not-completely-professional relationship Ben has with Karen. Then, compare and contrast these two women. How do these two relationships influence not only Ben, but also the other people working on both sides of the court martial case?

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