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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. What does Caputo say about the significance of a single death in war?

2. What happens right under their noses as they settle into Danang?

3. What is the refrain the sergeant teaches the men during war training?

4. How do the Marines return to base camp?

5. When the wounded VC's trail leads around a bend in the river, what choices does Caputo have?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the platoon sergeant, William Campbell.

2. What is the advantage on Hill 268 where Caputo's company is poistioned?

3. What mistake happens when they fire a three-point-five at the sniper who got Sullivan?

4. Sitting in the outpost ahead of C Company, what does Caputo have difficulty remembering?

5. After a group of VC disappears once again, what does Caputo want to believe?

6. What does Caputo recall when the helicopter he is in draws ground fire?

7. What always comes to Caputo's mind when he thinks of basic training?

8. Describe the Ruff-Puff's activity around the Beau Geste watchtowers.

9. Why does he say he fears being an unsat or a marginal?

10. What is the sound of 155mm artillery firing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a paper about how something that is at first repulsive and horrible can become so common place that it is scarcely given any thought later on. Use Caputo's experience as the Officer In Charge of the Dead. Relate that to civilian activities such as undertakers, doctors and nurses, and other such professions.

Essay Topic 2

Write a paper on the morality of war. Express your opinion as to whether war has ever in the history of the world accomplished good. Add to your paper ideas about how wars may be avoided in the future.

Essay Topic 3

Write a paper on the need of many men to prove their manhood. Express your opinion as to why this is something Caputo mentions several times in the book. Besides war, what are ways some men choose to prove to themselves that they are real men? Express your opinion as to whether such behavior is necessary.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 726 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample