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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. Where does Rubashov meet with Little Loewy?

2. What is an execution called in prison?

3. What does the officer handing out breakfast tell the warden is missing in Rubashov’s cell?

4. What is the last thing prisoner 380 yelled as he is pulled down the corridor?

5. What does Ivanov say are the two conceptions of human ethics?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ivanov tell Rubashov the day after Bogrov is killed?

2. What does Rubashov see the last night of the two weeks given to Rubashov by Ivanov? Who arranges it?

3. What was Prisoner 406’s sentence in his country of origin? How much time does he serve? How does he get out of prison?

4. What does Rubashov tell the warden when he is asked why he is not out of bed? What is the warden’s reply?

5. What does Gletkin consider to be the best methods for getting confessions out of prisoners? Why does he feel this way?

6. Why does Rubashov question Richard and what does Rubashov tell Richard?

7. How does Rubashov prepare for his first interrogation when he thinks they may use the steambath on him?

8. Whom does Rubashov watch the guards escort down the hallway after Rubashov’s flashback? What does the man look like?

9. Where does Rubashov take the taxi when he leaves Richard? What does the driver do when they arrive there?

10. How is Rubashov given a chance to exercise? How is that carried out?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Rubashov feels more strongly than ever before the presence of the "grammatical fiction" that represents his individuality, and he ponders whether there is any purpose in life.

Discuss what Rubashov means by the phrase "grammatical fiction." Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not? Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Darkness at Noon help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Darkness at Noon? Why or why not? Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Rubashov ultimately talks himself into believing he is guilty of crimes against the state.

Discuss Rubashov’s reasoning that leads him to decide he is guilty of crimes against the state. Do you think, with his line of thinking, he is correct? Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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