Unit Test: The Things They Carried
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Why did Lieutenant Jimmy Cross feel guilty about Ted Lavender's death?
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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 with this seminal work on war and memory.
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- 2.
Why was it so important for the men to carry good luck charms? Give examples.
- 3.
After receiving his draft notice, Tim experienced a variety of new emotions. What were they and what did they cause him to do?
- 4.
Why did Tim believe it was cowardly to GO to Vietnam rather than stay home?
- 5.
In a well written, organized, revised and edited essay answer the following question: How does the tone of Kipling's poem, "My Boy Jack" compare with the tone of O'Brien's The Things They Carried? How could you compare and contrast the perspective of war found in both texts?
- 6.
Which soldier carried the New Testament?
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Kiowa
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Henry Dobbins
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Dave Jensen
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Ted Lavender
Correct Answer
A. KiowaExplanation
The question asks which soldier carried the New Testament. The correct answer is Kiowa.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What town was Ted Lavender killed by?
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Chu Lai
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Kurashiki
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Tokyo
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Than Khe
Correct Answer
A. Than Khe -
- 8.
What did Lieutenant Jimmy Cross do the morning after Ted Lavender was shot?
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Wrote a letter to his family
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Stole all of Lavender's possessions
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Went out looking for the man that killed Lavender
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Burned the letters from Martha
Correct Answer
A. Burned the letters from MarthaExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 9.
How many times did Tim O'Brien say he's told the story "On the Rainy River"?
Correct Answer
He never told itExplanation
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.Rate this question:
- 10.
Who was the hero of O'Brien's life?
Correct Answer
Elroy Blyred - 11.
In what state is the Tip Top Lodge?
Correct Answer
MinnesotaExplanation
The Tip Top Lodge is located in Minnesota.Rate this question:
- 12.
Describe the Greenies?
Correct Answer
Not social animals, secretive and supicious, loners by nature. Our special forces.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.Rate this question:
- 13.
Who is the narrator of the tale "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong?"
Correct Answer
Rat KileyExplanation
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.Rate this question:
- 14.
What were soldiers called?
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Humps
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Suckers
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Ladies
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Grunts
Correct Answer
A. GruntsExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 15.
How did Max Arnold die?
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He was shot in Vietnam
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He suffered from PTSD
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He drowned in a lake
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He was killed in napalm blast
Correct Answer
A. He drowned in a lakeExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Who is Sally?
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Norman's high school girlfriend
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Norman's wife
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Norman's daughter
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Norman's aunt
Correct Answer
A. Norman's high school girlfriendExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What did Norman NOT win at war that made him upset?
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A purple heart
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Combat Infantryman's Badge
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A Gold Star
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A Silver Star
Correct Answer
A. A Silver StarExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Who does Norman imagine having a conversation with?
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His wife
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His father
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His son
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Kiowa
Correct Answer
A. His fatherExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What landmark did Norman drive around and around?
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A park
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A lake
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His neighborhood
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A&W
Correct Answer
A. A lakeExplanation
Norman drove around and around a lake.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Who does Norman fail to save from the swamp in Vietnam?
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Jimmy Cross
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Henry Dobbins
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Kiowa
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Lee Strunk
Correct Answer
A. KiowaExplanation
Norman fails to save Kiowa from the swamp in Vietnam.Rate this question:
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- 21.
What skill did Norman acquire at war that he considered impressing Sally with?
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Telling time without a watch
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Snipe from 500 meters away
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Overcoming mental stress
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His impressive driving ability
Correct Answer
A. Telling time without a watchExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 22.
What was Rat known for?
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Cheating women
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Exaggerating
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His lively attitude
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His loud words
Correct Answer
A. ExaggeratingExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 23.
What is a characteristic of Mary Anne?
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She is a coward
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She is sloppy
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She is curious
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All of the above
Correct Answer
A. She is curiousExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Which event BEST shows Fossie's love for Anne? (and is true)
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Fossie looked for her at night
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Fossie wanted to marry her
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Fossie waited outside Special Forces for her
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Fossie cried when she was gone
Correct Answer
A. Fossie waited outside Special Forces for herExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 25.
What ended up happening to Anne?
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She was killed
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She went missing
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She was sent back
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She ran away with Fossie
Correct Answer
A. She went missingExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Why does Ted Lavender take tranquilizers?
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His leg was blown off by a mine
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Dave Jensen broke his nose
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He is generally nervous
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Someone sent them to him as a gift
Correct Answer
A. He is generally nervousExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 27.
What is the outcome of the fight between Dave Jensen and Lee Strunk over Jensen’s missing jackknife?
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Jensen breaks Strunk’s nose
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Strunk blows Jensen’s leg off
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Strunk gives back Jensen’s jackknife
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Jimmy Cross breaks up the fight
Correct Answer
A. Jensen breaks Strunk’s noseExplanation
In the fight between Dave Jensen and Lee Strunk, Jensen breaks Strunk's nose.Rate this question:
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- 28.
How is Curt Lemon killed?
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He is shot in the head
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He steps on a mine
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He is never killed
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He plays catch with a grenade that goes off
Correct Answer
A. He steps on a mineExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 29.
What happens when Curt Lemon is called in to see the dentist?
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Lemon faints
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The dentist finds a cavity
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Lemon runs away and refuses to go
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Lemon knocks out one of the dentist’s teeth
Correct Answer
A. Lemon faintsExplanation
When Curt Lemon is called in to see the dentist, he faints.Rate this question:
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- 30.
At the end of “Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong,” what is Mary Anne Bell wearing?
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A flak jacket
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An army helmet
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The skin of a Vietnamese casualty
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A necklace of tongues
Correct Answer
A. A necklace of tonguesExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 31.
What item does Henry Dobbins wear around his neck?
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Dogtags
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Ammunition
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A locket from his girlfriend
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His girlfriend’s pantyhose
Correct Answer
A. His girlfriend’s pantyhoseExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 32.
How does O’Brien kill a Vietnamese soldier outside My Khe?
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He wrestles him to the ground and stabs him
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He shoots him point-blank
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He tosses a grenade at his feet
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He drowns him in a well
Correct Answer
A. He tosses a grenade at his feetExplanation
O'Brien kills a Vietnamese soldier outside My Khe by tossing a grenade at his feet.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Where does Kiowa die?
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In a helicopter on its way to Japan
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In a pagoda that gets hit by a bomb
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In the muck near the Song Tra Bong
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On the way to My Khe
Correct Answer
A. In the muck near the Song Tra BongExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 34.
What does a young soldier share with Kiowa the night before Kiowa’s death?
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A picture of his girlfriend
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A joint
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Three-month old Christmas cookies
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His copy of the New Testament
Correct Answer
A. A picture of his girlfriendExplanation
The young soldier shares a picture of his girlfriend with Kiowa the night before Kiowa's death.Rate this question:
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- 35.
When O’Brien returns to Vietnam more than twenty years after the war, whom does he bring with him?
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His wife
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Mary Anne Bell
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Kathleen
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Norman Bowker
Correct Answer
A. KathleenExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 36.
What did O'Brien bury in the river?
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Kiowa's Dog Tags
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Kiowa's Moccasins
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Kiowa's Bible
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Kiowa's Rucksack
Correct Answer
A. Kiowa's MoccasinsExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Why was Jensen so cautious after his fight with Strunk?
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He was afraid that Strunk would take his revenge with a gun
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He didn't want to alarm O'Brien and cause trouble
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He didn't want to seem like a very tough man
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He wasn't
Correct Answer
A. He was afraid that Strunk would take his revenge with a gunExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 38.
What pact did Strunk and Jensen make?
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If one of them got killed, the other would bury him
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If one of them was severely injured, the other would treat his wounds
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If one of them was captured, the other would report it to his family
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If one of them was injured so madly as to be in a wheelchair, the other would kill him.
Correct Answer
A. If one of them was injured so madly as to be in a wheelchair, the other would kill him.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.Rate this question:
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- 39.
Why did Strunk repeatedly say "Don't Kill Me!" to Jensen?
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Jensen had gone crazy.
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He thought that Jensen would keep his word.
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He knew that Jensen was going to kill him and take his revenge.
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Jensen was his enemy.
Correct Answer
A. He thought that Jensen would keep his word.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.Rate this question:
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- 40.
In which war was John Kipling killed?
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The Crimean War
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World War I
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World War II
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The Vietnam War
Correct Answer
A. World War IExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jan 30, 2015Quiz Created by
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