2. Why does Billy have such a hard time with the sexual relationship that Carlyle and Richie are alluding to happening in the bunk house and not somewhere else?

3. Explain the comparison Carlyle makes regarding "dealing trouble" and "smiling."

4. What is symbolic about Cokes saying the the man in the spider hole was "singing it"?

5. Why does Billy compare Carlyle to an animal?

6. Why does Carlyle think that he must teach Billy a lesson for throwing a shoe at him?

7. Why does the lieutenant's actions towards Roger speak to the stereotypical assumptions regarding the crime scene?

8. Why does Richie think that Roger would understand the problems associated with being homosexual?

9. What does Roger tell Billy he "better learn"?

10. Why does Billy have a problem with Carlyle turning off the lights in the bunk room?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the differences between Roger and Carlyle. Be sure to address their individual standpoints on the Army, homosexuality, race, and friendship.

Essay Topic 2

What does "ownership" in the military mean to the men (Billy, Roger, Richie, and Carlyle)? What do they own? Does someone "own" them? Why is ownership so important to each character? (Address each character and ownership individually.)

Essay Topic 3

Choose from the following list a character and discuss the/any stereotypes related to the character. Be sure to address the following questions in the essay: Does the character fall into a typical stereotype? Why/Why not? How do they align with a particular stereotype? How do they stray from a particular stereotype? Do those around them see them as falling into a particular stereotype? Do they see themselves in alignment with a particular stereotype? Be sure to use textual evidence to support decisions.

-Billy

-Roger

-Carlyle

-Richie

-Rooney

-Cokes

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,024 words
(approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page)

View a FREE sample