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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why do the murders have to remain confidential?

2. Where is the Vienna operating company located?

3. What does the Berlin Documents Center contain?

4. Who used to treat Weistor for mental problems?

5. As the Cold War begins, where does Berlin lie?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how Captain Linden and Becker meet.

2. What does Becker's ex-wife tell Gunther about Becker?

3. When Becker opened one of the packages he was supposed to deliver, what did he find?

4. What does Gunther learn at the Berlin Documents Center?

5. What is Gunther's theory that he reveals to Belinsky about Becker and Holls in A German Requiem - Part I, Chapters 10-18?

6. What does the discovery of hashish reveal to Gunther?

7. What is Gunther surprised to see in Vienna as compared to Berlin after the war?

8. How does Gunther kill Nebe and escape?

9. What is the shocking discovery that Gunther makes about Weisthor, the psychic?

10. What is life like in Berlin as the Cold War begins?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the main themes in the book is good versus evil. However, unlike other works of fiction, in Berlin Noir, this line at times can seem hard to distinguish. For example, when Gunther is employed by the Gestapo, he shares investigative results with Nazi officials that use this information for destructive purposes. In looking at the actions of the characters in Berlin Noir, who emerges as a "good" character and why? Who emerges as an "evil" character and why? What frailties are present? How do you think circumstances affect the definition of "good" and "evil" in Berlin Noir? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Kerr is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony, briefly describe them, and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two themes about loss in Berlin Noir. What or who is being lost? How does this loss affect Bernhard Gunther's subsequent actions? Then cite an example to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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