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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. Who does Pickering thank for the pictures at his house?

2. Who was away on a secret mission, leaving Dunn as Acting Commander?

3. What needs reinforcements in Guadalacanal because of the War?

4. Where is Koffler's girlfriend from?

5. When one of the planes crashes due to lack of fuel and a pilot dies, who feels responsible?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Dillon in charge of that inspires awe from the Marines?

2. Why does Pickering feel grateful to the men who arrive in Oahu and come to his estate with a report?

3. When Pickering has his staff analyze the MAGIC intelligence, what does he learn about the Japanese and what they can do or not?

4. Why does Dunn worry about Galloway when Dawkins reassures him?

5. Why does Dillon pull Easterbrook into the plane as he was leaving Guadalcanal?

6. Why does Banning warn Pickering about Ellen?

7. What is Stecker's experience abroad and what does he think the Japanese will attack?

8. What is the significance of sources in intelligence for Banning and Vandergrift?

9. Who were the Coastwatechers and why are they important to American security at Guadalcanal?

10. Why is Vandergrift disturbed by the message from Pickering?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Power in society is a prevailing theme of "Close Combat". Griffin frequently refers to this theme, painting the picture of military knowledge being rewarded by power. Which characters appear honest and which appear corrupt and why? Which characters appear to rise above corruption even if they were initially vulnerable to it? What is your opinion of the society that Griffin describes?

Essay Topic 2

Pickering and Pick are two of the most active characters in the decision-making process for the military and espionage events that unfold in "Close Combat".

Part 1) What is their relationship? How do they co-exist and how do they interact? What is similar about them and what is different?

Part 2) What are some events that Pickering had a direct influence upon? What are some events that Pick had a direct influence upon?

Part 3) Which character offers support to the group? Which one is stronger and why?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about loyalty, friendship, brotherhood and duty as exhibited in "Close Combat". Cite examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 731 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample