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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. How are Volpatte and Fouillade's positions discovered?

2. Cocon is described as being which of the following?

3. What do the men concede with regards to the "shirkers"?

4. Where is the squad dispatched at the end of Chapter 2?

5. Chapter 7 begins with the squad waiting where as they prepare for redeployment?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the men feel about the things they carry?

2. What does Volpatte do at the depot after recovering from his injuries?

3. What is the general psychological state of the men of Cpl. Bertrand's squad?

4. What is the condition of most of the soldiers the morning after the bombardment?

5. How do the invalids in the sanatorium learn of the war?

6. How do Blaire and the others blunder into German lines while searching for matches?

7. How has the squad been reduced in numbers when Chapter 20 opens?

8. How does Poterloo sneak behind enemy lines?

9. During his six-day leave, how much time is Eudore able to share with his wife?

10. In Chapter 15, how do the men react to the lack of supplies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lamuse is a unique character with strange, but internally consistent behavior. He is eccentric, but extremely loyal to his squad. Among the many normal men the narrator describes being drawn into the war, Lamuse learns to adapt well and demonstrates his strong character at many points in the novel.

Part 1) Describe Lamuse as a character. Who is he? Where does he come from? What is his appearance? What are his personality traits?

Part 2) The narrator often uses comparisons to various animals to describe Lamuse. Cite some of these examples and explain their purpose. What do these comparisons establish about Lamuse?

Part 3) Explain some of Lamuse's eccentricities and odd behavior, as well as some ways that he demonstrates his loyalty and dedication to the squad.

Essay Topic 2

Eudoxie is a major character, although her time in the story is brief. She affects many characters and their interactions with her illuminate many details about these individuals.

Part 1) Who is Eudoxie? Where does she come from? What is unusual about her? Why is she frequently seen in seemingly dangerous areas near the front?

Part 2) Describe the effects that Eudoxie has on some of the men of the squad.

Part 3) Explain Eudoxie's purpose as a character. What does she represent, and what themes does her character relate to or affect?

Essay Topic 3

Many types of forces and divisions within the French army are discussed in the book. The poilus are the mainstay of the French forces, but there are many others, including the Territorials, the Zouaves, and the Foreign Legion.

Part 1) Describe in detail at least three forces in the French army besides the poilus. Using information from the book, discuss their composition, their armaments, and their strengths and weaknesses.

Part 2) Using examples from the book, explain how each of these groups performs a vital function in the French army that helps to support the poilus.

Part 3) Explain how the poilus relate to each of these others forces. How often do they work in close connection? What is the poilus' opinion of each group?

(see the answer keys)

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