Questions Kwai Part1

The Bridge on the River Kwai

Part 1 Chapter 1: Colonel Nicholson 1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

For what purpose are the British soldiers brought to their current location? It has been assumed by many that a “gap” exists between the East and West. What do you think is the nature of this gap? How does the author feel about this supposed “gap?” What basic human “need” does he focus on in order to illustrate his theory?

What are the four main character traits that Major Clipton finds in Colonel Nicholson? Taken together, in Clipton’s opinion, these traits allow Nicholson to be described by only using one word. What? Why did Nicholson forbid his men to escape capture by the Japanese? What character traits are revealed by Nicholson’s preparation for surrender? What evidence is there to suggest this? How do the Japanese respond? How were the British prisoners ordered to behave after becoming prisoners of the Japanese? Why did Nicholson feel that this was necessary? Their colonel was sometimes harder on them than the Japanese. Why would the British prisoners obey him as much as they did?

Chapter 2: “Be happy in your work...” 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

After their surrender in Malaya, the British prisoners were sent to Siam. What difference did they notice with the Japanese soldiers guarding them? In what condition were the British prisoners who were in Siam prior to the arrival of Nicholson’s men? What did Nicholson notice about some of the British officers? How does he feel about this? According to General Yamashita, the British should be thankful to the Japanese? Why? According to Yamashita, what is the best way for a prisoner to remain healthy? What is General Yamashita’s motto?

Chapter 3: Colonel Saito

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

What decision did Colonel Saito make that started all the trouble with colonel Nicholson? What argument did Nicholson use in an attempt to get Saito to change his mind? What did major Clipton hear about Colonel Saito’s personality? Describe Saito’s speech to the prisoners. Why is Colonel Saito such a bitter man? How do the prisoners react to Saito’s tirade?

Chapter 4: Showdown 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

After some thought, Colonel Saito informs the British of his decision: the British officers will do manual labour alongside the enlisted men. How does Colonel Nicholson react to this? What is Colonel Saito’s response to Nicholson’s reaction? Why does he respond this way? The incident between Saito and Nicholson escalates to the point where others present almost become involved. Explain. What did the Medical Officer, Clipton, fear was about to happen? Why did he think this? How does Clipton intervene? How does Nicholson feel about the intervention? Do you think Clipton’s actions averted a tragedy? What eventually happens to Colonel Nicholson?

Chapter and Mr.

5: Dr. Jekyll Hyde

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

How is Colonel Nicholson being treated by the Japanese? How does Major Clipton feel about Nicholson’s stubborness? What do you think Clipton meant when he wondered “whether it would not be best to ask God to crown this dangerous lunatic with a martyr’s halo and admit him into His kingdom as quickly as possible.” Why does Clipton compare Colonel Saito to the infamous Jekyll and Hyde? What does Clipton feel that Saito is afraid of? Why? Almost as a last resort, What does Saito do to try to convince Nicholson to give in to him? What is the result of Saito’s efforts?

Chapter 6: Surrender 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

What had the British prisoners been doing as they were supposedly working on the bridge? How did the Japanese react to these actions? Did the Japanese response change anything with the prisoners? Please explain briefly? What deal did Saito try to make with the prisoners? Who eventually wins the struggle between Nicholson and Saito? What evidence is there of this?

Chapter 7: Nicholson Inspects The Work 1. 2. 3. 4.

What does Colonel Nicholson discover when he inspects the work on the railway line that his men have been doing? A British corporal, being questioned by Nicholson, makes a conspiratorial gesture. What was it, what did it mean, and how did Nicholson respond to it? How does Captain Reeves feel about the proposed Japanese invasion of India if they were to use this railway line to do it? What does Colonel Nicholson plan to do about the entire situation?