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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. At whom is Lee angry for trying to spread the blame for the defeat at Gettysburg?

2. From what period do terribly bloody battles follow one another according to Shaara?

3. What does Meade unite with his replacement as commander in their mission to win the war as?

4. Who cross the Rapidan River at the westerly Germanna Ford?

5. What was not thorough enough according to Hill that caused the failed attack at Bristol?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the fight in the Wilderness initially go from in the favor of the Confederates to defeat?

2. How does Shaara describe Hill's attack at Bristol Station?

3. What does Meade's unorthodox flag reveal about himself and Grant?

4. What is the important lesson that Lincoln learns from Gettsyburg regarding Federal soldiers?

5. What is the cliche surrounding the Southern reason for fighting in the Civil War and how does Lee oppose this?

6. When Hancock says, "The soldiers have seen something new, a new horror, a new way to die. They have seen the face of hell," what does he imply about fire and fighting?

7. Why is Lee unable to enjoy Christmas in Richmond?

8. How do troops on both sides of the war reveal their similarities through bartering?

9. Why does Lee want to resign?

10. Why does Shaara offer an Introduction to "The Last Full Measure"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shaara uses more than one iteration on the motif of life-death-life. Identify at least two motifs about life-death-life in the book. Then cite an example to support each answer.

Essay Topic 2

Describe some of the settings for "The Last Full Measure". What is the overall setting? How do the Confederate states like Virginia change over time? How is Washington D.C. different from the depiction of surrounding areas? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did the author choose to use these places in "The Last Full Measure"?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of women in the rural South in the 1840s when the women in "The Last Full Measure" are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

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