Narrator
The narrator shares this name with a yellow cartoon teenager
What is Bart
How is Sterling different from other sergeants?
He has an element of self sacrifice that makes him a trustworthy leader
Fort Dix, New Jersey in 2003
The narrator is from "a little shithole town outside" of which city.
Richmond, Virginia
What does the military higher up say about Sterling in a meeting
That he is going to be on military recruitment posters someday
What is the purpose of starting the chapter with MRS. LADONNA MURPHY
To serve as a letter address for the story, showing the theme of mail in the text.
What does the narrator's criticize him for doing
Smoking a cigarette
Why does Sterling punch the narrator in the face
How does Sterling feel about going back to Iraq
He is nervous, and wants to ensure that Murphy and the narrator are prepared for the danger ahead
What does the narrator promise to Murph's mother
That he would get Murphy home safely from the war
Why is Sterling upset about his orders to go into war.
Sterling blames "them," possibly political figures and military higher-ups, for sending young men to fight in war zones that they have no understanding of
How does snow play a factor in the development of the story
There is snow on the ground the day that the narrator meets Murph, and also when his mother reads the letter
Why does the narrator seek out a career in the military? Does it meet up to his high expectations?
He hopes to gain freedom from making decisions in his life, but finds that it loss of accountability is not the same as freedom
Why does the narrator have a love-hate relationship with Sterling
He sees Sterling as being a competent and worthy leader, but he is angry that he must follow him through warfare when the order is given.
DAILY DOUBLE:
How does the narrator's relationship with his mother differ from Murph's relationship with his mom.
The narrator left home to join the army after an argument with his mom, whereas Murph's mother is deeply invested in his military career, and is proud to hear about his training.