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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. According to Kelly's testimony, what did Tyson continue to do for hours after the hospital incident in order to appease the platoon members that possibly saved his life?

2. Brandt testifies that he always felt he should have reported the hospital incident, but was afraid to. What was Brandt afraid of?

3. In the hospital in Hue, who actually shot the Australian doctor in the operating room?

4. When the first day of the trial draws to a close, who does Tyson ask Pierce to tell "it's payback time"?

5. How does Tyson characterize the entire court martial proceedings?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Sproule, what is the purpose of the trial?

2. As the court martial approaches, what does Corva remind Tyson will happen if Tyson is ordered to tell the truth?

3. According to Corva, why is there no way to prove if Tyson filed a report regarding the incident at the hospital?

4. Tyson and Corva have the option of eliminating one member from the panel that serves as the jury for the court martial. What do Tyson and Corva base their elimination decision on?

5. As Tyson and Corva share a drink, Corva tells Tyson that he thinks Tyson is guilty. What does Corva not want Tyson to have to do?

6. When Corva cross-examines Brandt, Corva seems to jump randomly from point to point. What was Corva's purpose in this seeming randomness?

7. As Tyson and Corva share a drink, what does Tyson realize about other people who had served and returned from Vietnam?

8. When Harper tells Tyson that several of his old platoon members have "finally" been located, what does Tyson believe?

9. When the court martial gets underway, Corva makes an announcement that draws criticism. How does Corva respond to the criticism?

10. As Tyson and his platoon left the hospital after the massacre, why was Tyson relieved that they had Crane's body with them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The author uses several different literary techniques as the story is told in regards to the story's flow. Describe the techniques of both flashbacks and foreshadowing. How are each of these techniques used in the story? Give specific examples of each technique. Why might the author have chosen to use both of these techniques in the story? Was the story enhanced by the use of these two techniques? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Karen Harper and Farnley Gilmer.

a. How are the two characters similar? How are they different?

b. What is revealed about each character as their back stories are explained? Discuss how the quest for the truth affects both of these characters.

(see the answer keys)

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