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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. What does Hofmiller see as the only negative aspect of the time he spends with Kekesfalva and his family?

2. Why is Edith happy, rather than upset, when a new maid reacts in horror to the fact that she is disabled?

3. How does Dr. Condor respond when Hofmiller asks if Edith's condition is curable?

4. How does Dr. Condor perceive that Edith's attitude seems to have changed?

5. After asking Hofmiller to talk to Dr. Condor about Edith, why does Kekesfalva want to rush back to the house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Kekesfalva want Hofmiller to talk with Dr. Condor about Edith's condition rather than talking to the doctor himself?

2. How does Hofmiller realize that the pity he feels for Edith is already beginning to poison him?

3. What is Hofmiller's real motivation in accepting Edith's invitation to tea?

4. Describe Dr. Condor's feelings about the nature of so-called incurable illnesses.

5. When Hofmiller has tea with Edith and Ilona, what does he learn about what caused Edith to become particularly upset about his invitation to dance?

6. How does learning about his past affect Hofmiller's feelings about Kekesfalva?

7. What are some of the reasons Hofmiller finds himself gaining greater self confidence during his second evening in the Kekesfalva home?

8. How did Kekesfalva trick Dietzenhof with regard to the worth of her property?

9. Why does Kekesfalva become upset with Dr. Condor during their discussion of Edith's condition?

10. Why does Hofmiller flee from Kekesfalva's home after his blunder causes Edith to become upset?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the book, it is clear that Hofmiller is desperately concerned with how other people perceive him. Identify three specific examples of this and write about how each example directly affects the book's plot. How might things have turned out differently if Hofmiller had not been so concerned with appearances?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the balance of power between Hofmiller and Kekesfalva. Who holds the power at the beginning of the story? Who holds it at the end? How and why does it shift back and forth throughout the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss in detail the relationship of trust that develops between Kekesfalva and Hofmiller. How does Kekesfalva's trust begin and how does it develop over time? What effect does Kekesfalva's trust have on Hofmiller and how does it affect his actions with regard to Edith?

(see the answer keys)

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