http://www.campbellhs.org/attachments/article/735/American%20Bag%203.pdf
DAY 2:​
You can read the short story by clicking on the link above, or finding it on page 63 of your
literature books. NOTE: The link is only for the story; do not answer the four questions.
After reading the story, “Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy?” answer the following questions. E-mail
me if you have questions.
1. What was your reaction to the narrator’s statement at the end of the story, that Paul “could not
stop being afraid?”
2. What are the soldiers in the story doing?
3. How did Billy Boy Watkins die?
4. Why does Toby want to shut Paul up?
5. Why does Paul worry about being as “terribly afraid” as he was when he watched Billy Boy die?
6. Why do you think Paul decides not to tell his parents that he was afraid on his first day of combat?
7. In your opinion, what amuses Toby and Paul about Billy Boy’s death from a heart attack?
8. Would you say that Paul’s giggling is normal or unusual. Explain your answer.
9. How might Paul’s first day in combat be different if Billy Boy were killed by the mine instead of by
fright?
10. Do you think that the experience of being in combat builds character? Explain your answer.