Questions and Answers
What is ironic about the paperwork mistake that sends Richard Perry to Vietnam?
When does Perry arrive in Vietnam?
September 15, 1967
What does the name of Perry's company imply?
They are there to replace the dead, and everyone is disposable and easily replaceable
How do Peewee Gates' actions and dialogue portray his character?
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Why did Perry join the army, and what did he originally want to be in life?
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What information is revealed about Perry's background in New York?
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Why does army life suit Peewee?
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What does the encounter with Rings foreshadow?
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To what company are Richie, Peewee, and Jenkins assigned, and where are they going?
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What about Johnson impresses Richie and Peewee?
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What advice did Richie's English teacher, Mrs. Liebow, give him?
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What are cherries?
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How did Richie injure his knee, and how did this affect his life goal?
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What happens as the men are navigating through the minefield protecting their camp?
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Why is Richie numb on the inside?
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What experience changed Lieutenant Carroll's perspective about himself?
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What dilemma faces the young Vietnamese men?
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How is Captain Stewart the 'true threat' to Peewee, Richie, and the other soldiers?
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Why is Richie concerned about his younger brother, Kenny?
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What is a Lurp team, and what does it foreshadow?
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Why does Richie turn down the chance to be transferred to another unit?
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How does Richie's attitude toward the war change?
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Study Notes
Key Characters and Their Motivations
- Richard Perry experiences irony as he is sent to Vietnam against his initial belief that he would not have to fight.
- Peewee Gates is characterized by his cocky personality, enjoying the competitive nature of the army.
- Perry joins the Army primarily to support his financially struggling family, despite his aspiration to become a philosopher.
Timeline and Setting
- Perry arrives in Vietnam on September 15, 1967.
- He and his squad, including Peewee and Jenkins, are assigned to Chu Lai aboard a C-47.
Themes of War and Carelessness
- The name of Perry's company signifies their role as replacements for the dead, emphasizing the disposability of soldiers.
- The encounter with Jenkins foreshadows a careless attitude pervasive in the army, later highlighted by Jenkins' tragic death from a land mine.
- Richie's internal numbness stems from witnessing the army's negligence, particularly after losing Jenkins.
Social Issues and Challenges
- Young Vietnamese men face moral dilemmas posed by the war, alongside temptations like drug use and alcohol.
- Captain Stewart embodies a significant threat to the soldiers, seeking to increase enemy body counts for personal advancement.
Relationships and Personal Struggles
- Richie expresses concern for his younger brother, Kenny, indicating a loss of guidance in his life as Richie is preoccupied with the war.
- Richie's English teacher, Mrs. Liebow, encourages him to engage more deeply with life, highlighting his youthful naivety.
Insights into Military Life
- “Cherries” refers to new soldiers, often inexperienced and vulnerable in combat situations.
- Lieutenant Carroll's experience in combat profoundly alters his self-perception and faith after witnessing the mortality of his troops.
Future Implications
- The Lurp team (Long Range Surveillance team) signifies a strategic approach to warfare, suggesting that Richie's emotional journey may be marked by cautious observation rather than direct engagement.
- Richie's decision to remain loyal to his squad despite transfer opportunities reflects a deeper commitment to camaraderie amidst chaos.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the first five chapters of 'Fallen Angels'. This quiz covers key events, character insights, and the implications of Perry's experiences in Vietnam. Prepare to explore the themes of irony and disposability in the context of war.
