View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of car does John drive?

2. Who is waiting for Alex and John after their release from Cumberland County Jail?

3. How old was Sergeant Cooper when he enlisted in the army?

4. Where was Thomas Hoff stationed when convicted of murder?

5. Where did Billie work when her husband was arrested for murder?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is on General Bowen's staff and what do they do for him?

2. Why is Jamilla unsure of herself as she opens up to Alex?

3. Where do Starkey, Harris, and Griffin spend long weekends together and why?

4. How does John see Billie as different from other women?

5. How does the author describe Griffin?

6. Describe "basic allowance housing" at Fort Bragg.

7. What anecdote does John share with Billie about returning from the war?

8. Why do people seem to want to see Alex hooked up with a woman again?

9. Why does Alex think that Nana is a good shrink?

10. What bet does Starkey make with Griffin and Harris, and why does he think he will win the bet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Sergeant Ellis Cooper on trial for? What is his side of the story? What are the tragic consequences of his not being believed by people other than Alex and John? Could this have been prevented? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

How do Alex and Nana cope with her impending operation? How has Nana's illness manifested itself throughout the book? When does it become evident that she has to do something about it? How does she react initially? How does she resign herself to the situation?

Essay Topic 3

How does John cope with the death of Sergeant Cooper? What condition is he in when he confronts Alex? Who steps in to help in the situation?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 720 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample