How to tell a true war story Quiz!

1. Why did Rat Kiley shoot the baby Water Buffalo?

For hunting

He was mad about Curt Lemon's death

Sick of being in Vietnam

To show off

Rat Kiley shot the baby Water Buffalo because he was mad about Curt Lemon's death. This suggests that he may have been seeking an outlet for his anger and frustration, and unfortunately, the innocent animal became the target of his emotions. The loss of his friend may have triggered a sense of helplessness and despair, leading him to act out in this violent manner.

Explanation

Rat Kiley shot the baby Water Buffalo because he was mad about Curt Lemon's death. This suggests that he may have been seeking an outlet for his anger and frustration, and unfortunately, the innocent animal became the target of his emotions. The loss of his friend may have triggered a sense of helplessness and despair, leading him to act out in this violent manner.

2. Who does Rat Kiley write a letter to?

His girlfriend

His mom

His friend's sister

His sister

Rat Kiley writes a letter to his friend's sister.

Explanation

Rat Kiley writes a letter to his friend's sister.

3. According to the narrator, Sanders' always has to

Not get the details of the story right

Not telling the truth

Listening to war stories

Make things up to add to the story

answer in paragraph 3

Explanation

answer in paragraph 3

4. You can tell a true war story if it.....

Makes you mad

Is depressing

Has glory and violence

Embarrasses you

A true war story can be identified if it embarrasses you. This is because war stories often involve situations that challenge our beliefs, values, and understanding of humanity. These stories may portray acts of cruelty, violence, or betrayal that can be uncomfortable to confront. Feeling embarrassed suggests that the story has exposed a truth or reality that goes against our idealized notions of war. It forces us to question our own perceptions and confront the harsh realities of war.

Explanation

A true war story can be identified if it embarrasses you. This is because war stories often involve situations that challenge our beliefs, values, and understanding of humanity. These stories may portray acts of cruelty, violence, or betrayal that can be uncomfortable to confront. Feeling embarrassed suggests that the story has exposed a truth or reality that goes against our idealized notions of war. It forces us to question our own perceptions and confront the harsh realities of war.

5. Tim O'Brien insists all of the Vietnam stories he writes are purely fiction. Based on this passage, what is the most likely reason Tim O'Brien only writes fictional war stories?

It's too difficult to write about his own experience

He doesn't think true war stories are believable

He thought more people would read fictional stories

To get at the spiritual truth that lies beyond the telling of events as they actually happened

look to paragraphs 21-24, italics preceding passage (author background info)

Explanation

look to paragraphs 21-24, italics preceding passage (author background info)

6. What does the narrator believe is the only thing to say in response to a "true war story"?

"Forget it, I understand."

"Right."

"You're so brave."

"Oh."

The narrator believes that the only thing to say in response to a "true war story" is "Oh." This suggests that the narrator recognizes the complexity and indescribable nature of war experiences, and that words are inadequate to fully capture or comprehend the reality of such stories. The simple utterance of "Oh" conveys a sense of acknowledgement, understanding, and perhaps even a shared sense of helplessness or awe in the face of the horrors and complexities of war.

Explanation

The narrator believes that the only thing to say in response to a "true war story" is "Oh." This suggests that the narrator recognizes the complexity and indescribable nature of war experiences, and that words are inadequate to fully capture or comprehend the reality of such stories. The simple utterance of "Oh" conveys a sense of acknowledgement, understanding, and perhaps even a shared sense of helplessness or awe in the face of the horrors and complexities of war.

7. What is meant by the statement, "true war stories do not generalize"?

They do not indulge in analysis

There's nothing much to say about a true war story

True war stories focus on the details

True war stories always have a moral

This statement means that true war stories are not generalized or broad in their portrayal. Instead, they focus on specific details and events that occurred during the war. By emphasizing the details, these stories provide a more authentic and vivid account of the war experience. Generalizations tend to oversimplify or overlook the complexities and nuances of war, whereas focusing on the details allows for a deeper understanding and connection to the events being described.

Explanation

This statement means that true war stories are not generalized or broad in their portrayal. Instead, they focus on specific details and events that occurred during the war. By emphasizing the details, these stories provide a more authentic and vivid account of the war experience. Generalizations tend to oversimplify or overlook the complexities and nuances of war, whereas focusing on the details allows for a deeper understanding and connection to the events being described.