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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. Over a period of time, the soldiers became polarized in their _____.

2. About how far from the enemy were the first line of troops stationed in the trenches?

3. At the 1916 Haig disaster, what equipment was introduced as a weapon?

4. What color are the Germans usually described in by soldiers who spent long periods of time in the trenches?

5. Who does Fussell refer to as the master of spiritual irony?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the traditional ritual meaning of dawn and its association with the Great War.

2. What happens to soldiers when they spend a lot of time in the trenches during war time?

3. What has happened to the area by the Somme River where a fierce battle in the war took place?

4. What was the difference between British commanders General Sir George Plumer and Sir Douglas Haig?

5. What was the British's army biggest problem?

6. What was wrong with the British commander Sir Douglas Haig's war planning?

7. What is the title of the third and final volume of the trilogy by Siegfried Sassoon, and what is the third volume about?

8. What types of rumors and myths surrounded the number three?

9. Explain the story of the Crucified Canadian?

10. Fussell uses a variety of works by Sigfried Sassoon that he discusses in the book. What is the title of the first volume of Sassoon's trilogy, and what is the first volume about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain how Fussell describes homosexuals as portrayed in literature. Include references to the specific authors and works Fussell mentions, and explain how this all connects to wartime.

Essay Topic 2

"A rumor of most wars concerns deserters." Who is a deserter? Does one desire to become a deserter? What causes one to be a deserter? How does one become a deserter? Is a deserter only associated with a war or do they exist at other times? What do you think is the true meaning of the quote, "A rumor of most wars concerns deserters?"

Essay Topic 3

Throughout Fussel's writings, he shows the harshness of war. What are some of the factors that makes war harsh? Do the harsh factors affect just the military, or does it affect civilians as well? Be specific and give examples from the writing.

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