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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. Who takes Petersburg while the Federal soldiers take Richmond?

2. Whose army is starving and expects a shipment of rations for his men to arrive?

3. Who has taken and holds control of the Shenandoah Valley, allowing Lee's army to move westward into the Valley?

4. What landing do the Federal forces' heavy artillery and supply wagons take a route to after Cold Harbor?

5. Who receives word that Sherman has captured Atlanta?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Lee fail to attend the surrender ceremony?

2. Why is Lee disappointed that Lincoln is reelected?

3. What is the technique employed to break into the Confederate line proposed by Pleasant?

4. How does Grant recognize Lee's hopeless situation after Lee's troops fail to burn the bridges?

5. Why does Lee believe that the statue of George Washington will remain intact during the war?

6. Why is Lee worried about shifting command to Beauregard?

7. When Chamberlain rides back to the battle, how does he fool Confederate soldiers through a ruse?

8. How do Confederate troops show their obedience to Gordon in the surrender ceremony?

9. Why is Grant tempted to drink alcohol after Cold Harbor?

10. How does Shaara powerfully convey the death of Hill, one of Lee's leaders through a third-person point of view of an unknown officier?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shaara constantly brings up metaphors and imagery associated with strength. Give 3 examples of how strength is portrayed and characters who unexpectedly show great confidence.

Essay Topic 2

One of the main themes in the book is ethical and social responsibility. List at least four examples where Shaara employs this specific theme. Is the battle between making ethical choices obvious or subtle? What characters are involved in this kind of battle? Do you think the right person or group won? Does good always triumph over evil in the case of "The Last Full Measure" ethics? Where do these definitions appear vague or incomprehensible?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the novel's title. What did Shaara mean by calling the book "The Last Full Measure"? Cite an example to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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