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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 Pickering suggest to Joe after he and Barbara reunite?

2. How does MacArthur generally learn about naval operations?

3. How does Daphne find out how dangerous Koffler's mission is going to be?

4. How does Koffler get back to Melbourne after the funeral?

5. What do Haughton and Forrest want Rickabee to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Koffler being dropped behind enemy lines?

2. What is in the letter Pickering sends to Knox in which he also has a request about Banning?

3. What do Barbara and Ernie do the day before Barbara ships out? What are Barbara's plans and how do they change?

4. Who does Barbara see when she goes into Pickering's sitting room? What does Pickering suggest?

5. Why does Banning meet with Eric Feldt and what happened at that meeting?

6. What about the military does MacArthur and Pickering discuss when they first meet?

7. What does Captain Haughton want Rickabee to do?

8. What does Stecker tell Banning when they meet about Banning's organization?

9. To what is Ellen promoted and what happens when Pickering comes to her hotel room?

10. What happens when Macklin asks for volunteers for a dangerous mission?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze one major theme of Counterattack. Consider the following: How does one character's actions portray the theme you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme?" If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme? If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

2. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Counterattack. How does one character's actions portray the themes you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to those themes? Is each theme one that you would call a "universal theme?" If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme? If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

3. What benefit is there in discussing and analyzing the themes of a work of fiction? Do you think most authors consciously develop themes in their works? Why or why not? Can there be accidental themes? What do you think is one possible "accidental" theme in Counterattack? Which theme in Counterattack speaks to you the most in your life? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Although wealthy and not young enough for the draft, Fleming Pickering devotes his time and money to the war effort. He, and many other characters in this book, was very patriotic. Discuss one of the following:

1. What does patriotism mean to me? Use examples from Counterattack to support your answer.

2. Class discussion. What is patriotism? What are the advantages of a country whose citizens feel highly patriotic? What are the disadvantages? What happens when patriots become zealots? Should patriotism be expected of its citizens by any country? Why or why not?

3. How do the characters in Counterattack demonstrate their patriotism? Use examples from Counterattack to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Most people and regular soldiers detest spies and the idea of spying. Spies are not considered in the same vein as soldiers in uniform and are not protected by the customs and regulations that govern the treatment of soldiers who are in uniform when captured. It was carefully pointed out that what Pickering was doing would not be considered spying, yet that is essentially what his organization is doing. Discuss one of the following:

1. Why do you think spies are not accorded any rights under many countries' laws and/or customs?

2. Even though all countries abhor spies, often even their own, they still spy, and men and women are still willing to be spies. Discuss why you think this is so.

3. Research and analyze the history of spying in either America.

4. Does Pickering seem the image of a typical spy as you visualize one? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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