Fallen Angels Chapters 1-5 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is ironic about the paperwork mistake that sends Richard Perry to Vietnam?

He thought he would get a safe job

He was excited to join the army

He didn't think he'd fight and ended up in combat (correct)

He wanted to be in Vietnam from the start

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?

He is cocky Signup and view all the answers

Why did Perry join the army, and what did he originally want to be in life?

Perry joined the army to financially assist his brother and mom, originally wanted to be a philosopher Signup and view all the answers

What information is revealed about Perry's background in New York?

He is very poor and family-oriented, wanting to join the army to pay for his brother. Signup and view all the answers

Why does army life suit Peewee?

Everyone is equal; he also loves to be aggressive and fight Signup and view all the answers

What does the encounter with Rings foreshadow?

It reflects the crazy carelessness that will take place Signup and view all the answers

To what company are Richie, Peewee, and Jenkins assigned, and where are they going?

Chu Lai in a C-47 Signup and view all the answers

What about Johnson impresses Richie and Peewee?

His strength Signup and view all the answers

What advice did Richie's English teacher, Mrs. Liebow, give him?

To get out of himself, he's too young to observe life Signup and view all the answers

What are cherries?

New soldiers Signup and view all the answers

How did Richie injure his knee, and how did this affect his life goal?

He hurt it playing basketball, and he thinks he's going to be released from war Signup and view all the answers

What happens as the men are navigating through the minefield protecting their camp?

Jenkins steps on a land mine and dies, Richie questions how careless the army really is. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Richie numb on the inside?

He witnessed the carelessness of the army when his friend, Jenkins, is killed Signup and view all the answers

What experience changed Lieutenant Carroll's perspective about himself?

He was a Christian man until some of his troops got stuck in a ditch in enemy fire Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma faces the young Vietnamese men?

Temptations like drugs, alcohol, and sex, as well as moral rights and wrongs from their superiors Signup and view all the answers

How is Captain Stewart the 'true threat' to Peewee, Richie, and the other soldiers?

He wants to embroil them in more dangerous missions to increase enemy body count for promotion Signup and view all the answers

Why is Richie concerned about his younger brother, Kenny?

Kenny has no one to look up to in the army now Signup and view all the answers

What is a Lurp team, and what does it foreshadow?

Long Range Surveillance team; they don't fight unless they need to, foreshadowing Richie's emotions. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Richie turn down the chance to be transferred to another unit?

He feels loyal to his squad Signup and view all the answers

How does Richie's attitude toward the war change?

He is starting to question what he and everyone else is doing in Nam Signup and view all the answers

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.

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.