Unit Test: The Things They Carried

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1. At the end of "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong," what is Mary Anne Bell wearing?

Explanation

In "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong," Mary Anne Bell is wearing a necklace made of tongues. This detail is significant as it symbolizes her transformation and assimilation into the brutal and violent environment of the Vietnam War. It suggests that she has become desensitized to the horrors of war and has fully embraced the darkness within it. The necklace of tongues serves as a chilling representation of the loss of her innocence and her immersion into the savage reality of war.

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About This Quiz
Unit Test: The Things They Carried - Quiz

This quiz assesses understanding of 'The Things They Carried,' a novel by Tim O'Brien. It focuses on character actions, plot details, and thematic elements, enhancing comprehension and engagement... see morewith this seminal work on war and memory. see less

2. What is the outcome of the fight between Dave Jensen and Lee Strunk over Jensen's missing jackknife?

Explanation

In the fight between Dave Jensen and Lee Strunk, Jensen breaks Strunk's nose.

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3. Where does Kiowa die?

Explanation

Kiowa dies in the muck near the Song Tra Bong. This is revealed in the novel "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien. The muck symbolizes the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Vietnam War, and Kiowa's death in this setting highlights the senseless loss of life and the devastating impact of war on soldiers. The muck also represents the moral ambiguity and confusion experienced by the soldiers, as they struggle to make sense of the violence and destruction around them.

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4. Who does Norman fail to save from the swamp in Vietnam? 

Explanation

Norman fails to save Kiowa from the swamp in Vietnam.

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5. What item does Henry Dobbins wear around his neck?

Explanation

Henry Dobbins wears his girlfriend's pantyhose around his neck as a superstitious belief for protection and good luck. This unconventional item serves as a reminder of his loved one and provides him with a sense of comfort and emotional connection during the war.

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6. What pact did Strunk and Jensen make? 

Explanation

Strunk and Jensen made a pact that if one of them was injured to the extent of being in a wheelchair, the other would kill him.

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7. What ended up happening to Anne?

Explanation

The given options indicate different possible outcomes for Anne. Out of these options, the correct answer states that Anne went missing. This implies that her whereabouts are unknown, suggesting that she disappeared or was lost without any trace.

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8. Why was Jensen so cautious after his fight with Strunk?

Explanation

After his fight with Strunk, Jensen became cautious because he feared that Strunk would retaliate with a gun. This suggests that Jensen believed Strunk to be a dangerous and potentially violent individual who may seek revenge using a firearm. Jensen's caution can be seen as a self-protective measure to ensure his own safety and avoid any further conflict or harm.

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9. Why does Ted Lavender take tranquilizers?

Explanation

Ted Lavender takes tranquilizers because he is generally nervous. This suggests that he may have anxiety or stress-related issues, and the tranquilizers help to calm his nerves and ease his anxiety. It is not mentioned in the given options that his leg was blown off by a mine, Dave Jensen broke his nose, or someone sent the tranquilizers as a gift. Therefore, the most logical explanation is that he takes them due to his general nervousness.

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10. What does a young soldier share with Kiowa the night before Kiowa's death?

Explanation

The young soldier shares a picture of his girlfriend with Kiowa the night before Kiowa's death.

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11. What landmark did Norman drive around and around? 

Explanation

Norman drove around and around a lake.

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12. When O'Brien returns to Vietnam more than twenty years after the war, whom does he bring with him?

Explanation

When O'Brien returns to Vietnam more than twenty years after the war, he brings his daughter Kathleen with him. This is significant because it shows that O'Brien wants to share his experiences and memories of the war with his daughter, possibly as a way to help her understand his past and the impact the war had on him. Bringing Kathleen also highlights the theme of the lasting effects of war on families and the importance of passing down stories and experiences to future generations.

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13. What did Norman NOT win at war that made him upset? 

Explanation

Norman did not win a Silver Star at war, which made him upset. The Silver Star is a prestigious military decoration awarded for valor in combat. Norman may have been disappointed because he was not recognized for his bravery or exceptional performance during the war with this particular award.

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14. What skill did Norman acquire at war that he considered impressing Sally with? 

Explanation

Norman acquired the skill of telling time without a watch during the war. He considered this skill impressive and wanted to impress Sally with it. This suggests that Norman is able to accurately estimate the time without relying on a timepiece, which could be seen as a unique and useful ability.

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15. Which soldier carried the New Testament?

Explanation

The question asks which soldier carried the New Testament. The correct answer is Kiowa.

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16. What did Lieutenant Jimmy Cross do the morning after Ted Lavender was shot?

Explanation

Lieutenant Jimmy Cross burned the letters from Martha the morning after Ted Lavender was shot. This action suggests that he is trying to distance himself emotionally from Martha, as he realizes that his romantic fantasies about her are distracting him from his duties as a soldier. By burning the letters, he is symbolically letting go of his attachment to Martha and focusing on his responsibilities in the war.

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17. Who is Sally? 

Explanation

Sally is Norman's high school girlfriend because the question asks "Who is Sally?" and the options provided are all different relationships to Norman. Since there is no information given about Sally's age or familial relationship to Norman, the only logical option is that she is his high school girlfriend.

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18. What happens when Curt Lemon is called in to see the dentist?

Explanation

When Curt Lemon is called in to see the dentist, he faints.

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19. How does O'Brien kill a Vietnamese soldier outside My Khe?

Explanation

O'Brien kills a Vietnamese soldier outside My Khe by tossing a grenade at his feet.

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20. Who does Norman imagine having a conversation with? 

Explanation

Norman imagines having a conversation with his father. This suggests that he longs for a connection with his father and desires to communicate with him, possibly to seek guidance or closure. It also implies that Norman may have unresolved issues or emotions related to his father, which he hopes to address through this imaginary conversation.

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21. What is a characteristic of Mary Anne?

Explanation

Mary Anne's characteristic of being curious is indicated by the statement "she is curious" in the options. This suggests that Mary Anne is interested in exploring and learning new things, which sets her apart from being a coward or sloppy.

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22. What was Rat known for? 

Explanation

Rat was known for exaggerating. This means that he had a tendency to overstate or overemphasize things, making them seem more dramatic or extreme than they actually were.

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23. What did O'Brien bury in the river?

Explanation

In the novel "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien, O'Brien reveals that after Kiowa's death, he feels responsible for his friend's death and carries a heavy burden of guilt. To alleviate this guilt, O'Brien decides to bury Kiowa's moccasins in the river, symbolizing the letting go of his guilt and the weight of the past. By burying the moccasins, O'Brien is metaphorically burying his guilt and finding a way to move on from the traumatic experience.

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24. What town was Ted Lavender killed by?

Explanation

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25. Why did Strunk repeatedly say "Don't Kill Me!" to Jensen? 

Explanation

Strunk repeatedly said "Don't Kill Me!" to Jensen because he believed that Jensen would keep his word. This suggests that Jensen had made a promise or agreement with Strunk, creating an expectation that he would spare his life. Strunk's desperate pleas indicate his hope that Jensen would honor their agreement and not follow through with his intention to kill him.

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26. How is Curt Lemon killed?

Explanation

Curt Lemon is killed when he steps on a mine. This means that he accidentally triggers an explosive device hidden on the ground, resulting in his death.

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27. What were soldiers called?

Explanation

Soldiers were commonly referred to as "grunts." This term originated during the Vietnam War and was used to describe the infantry soldiers who were on the front lines and engaged in intense combat. The term "grunt" is derived from the sound that soldiers make when carrying heavy equipment and supplies, as well as the physical exertion involved in their duties. It became a colloquial term used to describe any foot soldier in the military.

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28. How did Max Arnold die? 

Explanation

The given answer states that Max Arnold died by drowning in a lake. This suggests that Max met his unfortunate demise by succumbing to the water and losing his life in a drowning incident.

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29. Who is the narrator of the tale "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong?"

Explanation

Rat Kiley is the narrator of the tale "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong" because he is the one telling the story. As a character in the book "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien, Rat Kiley serves as a medic in the Vietnam War and shares various anecdotes and experiences with the other soldiers. In this particular tale, Rat Kiley recounts the transformation of a young woman named Mary Anne Bell who becomes immersed in the brutal realities of war.

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30. In what state is the Tip Top Lodge?

Explanation

The Tip Top Lodge is located in Minnesota.

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31. Which event BEST shows Fossie's love for Anne? (and is true) 

Explanation

Fossie waiting outside Special Forces for Anne demonstrates his love for her. This action shows his commitment and dedication to her, as he is willing to wait for her even in a potentially dangerous or challenging environment. It also suggests that he values her safety and well-being, as he is concerned enough to be present and offer support during her time at Special Forces. Overall, Fossie's decision to wait outside Special Forces exemplifies his deep affection and care for Anne.

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32. In which war was John Kipling killed?

Explanation

John Kipling was killed in World War I. This war took place from 1914 to 1918 and involved many countries around the world. It was a significant conflict that resulted in millions of deaths and had a major impact on global politics and society. John Kipling's death in this war signifies his participation and sacrifice in one of the most devastating conflicts in history.

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33. How many times did Tim O'Brien say he's told the story "On the Rainy River"?

Explanation

Tim O'Brien never told the story "On the Rainy River." This means that he did not mention or recount the events of the story at any point. Therefore, the answer is that he never told it.

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34. Who was the hero of O'Brien's life?

Explanation

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35. Describe the Greenies?

Explanation

The description suggests that the Greenies are not social animals and prefer to be alone. They are secretive and suspicious, which implies that they may be cautious and wary of their surroundings. The phrase "Our special forces" suggests that the Greenies are a group of highly skilled individuals who are capable of performing specialized tasks.

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At the end of "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong," what is Mary Anne...
What is the outcome of the fight between Dave Jensen and Lee Strunk...
Where does Kiowa die?
Who does Norman fail to save from the swamp in Vietnam? 
What item does Henry Dobbins wear around his neck?
What pact did Strunk and Jensen make? 
What ended up happening to Anne?
Why was Jensen so cautious after his fight with Strunk?
Why does Ted Lavender take tranquilizers?
What does a young soldier share with Kiowa the night before Kiowa's...
What landmark did Norman drive around and around? 
When O'Brien returns to Vietnam more than twenty years after the...
What did Norman NOT win at war that made him upset? 
What skill did Norman acquire at war that he considered impressing...
Which soldier carried the New Testament?
What did Lieutenant Jimmy Cross do the morning after Ted Lavender was...
Who is Sally? 
What happens when Curt Lemon is called in to see the dentist?
How does O'Brien kill a Vietnamese soldier outside My Khe?
Who does Norman imagine having a conversation with? 
What is a characteristic of Mary Anne?
What was Rat known for? 
What did O'Brien bury in the river?
What town was Ted Lavender killed by?
Why did Strunk repeatedly say "Don't Kill Me!" to Jensen? 
How is Curt Lemon killed?
What were soldiers called?
How did Max Arnold die? 
Who is the narrator of the tale "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong?"
In what state is the Tip Top Lodge?
Which event BEST shows Fossie's love for Anne? (and is true) 
In which war was John Kipling killed?
How many times did Tim O'Brien say he's told the story "On the Rainy...
Who was the hero of O'Brien's life?
Describe the Greenies?
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